The Visit

            My husband’s brother, wife, and two children lived in Jefferson City, Missouri.  Their visits were far and in between.  We were always glad to hear they were coming.  But one thing always had us regretting it once they got here.  Although we were cat lovers, we would always have a problem.  It was hardly unlikely that they did not have the money to pay someone to care for their cat.  (Perhaps they could get a neighbor or even a kennel to care for their cat.)  They both worked as teachers.  But not so; as here they came with their cat.  Two cats that didn’t spend any time together were expected to get along.  Our only cat at the time was a female named Tina.  She generally hid from this big male cat named Jerry.

            Articles written do talk of how to introduce cats to one another.  But there was no time since Jerry only came for occasional visits.  It was not his house, but he was the dominant one.  Tina had been spayed.  Jerry had been neutered.  But still they wanted to fight.  One visit should have told my husband’s brother and family that the cats did not get along.  Try it once and next time don’t bring the cat again.  It was a blessing that we all slept upstairs.  The cats spent the whole night downstairs.  With Tina hiding most of the time, the fighting was kept at a minimum.  But the next day, they were at it again especially when food placed out.  But those years, like everything else, had their time and place.  It seems like so many years ago.  But it still leaves memories that stay with me.  With my husband deceased and his brother gone as well, communication with his wife and children ended.  I did try to relocate them, but without luck.  They all moved from Missouri.  Even if she and I were no longer related, the children were still cousins.  Maybe there is a lot to say about related only by marriage.  It is kind of funny to think that the only thing I remember most about them was their cat.

            This does make for kind of a sad story.  People have a habit of changing.  We live in a fast paced world.  People have so many things that keep them busy.  Or so, they always say they are busy when they don’t stay in touch.  Perhaps this explains the brother-in-law’s family.  An animal (a cat) is never too busy for you.  If you love them, they will return that love.  It took me many years to realize that a cat’s love is forever.  Unlike the human, I don’t think a well-cared for cat is ever too busy for you!