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July 07, 2006
Opus
A few nights ago, I wrote a word on the paper laying beside my bed. I have been keeping something to write on ever since I decided to try and remember my dreams, and on this night, this one word came to me in deepest sleep. So much so, that upon awakening, I was curious about why this word appeared, and what did I see in my dreams for me to awaken just enough to put this simple word to paper.
Opus. That is the word and the name my son gave to the cat who came into our lives through a place he worked. A cat hospital, where it was clear from the beginning that the cat bonded with my son.
A lady brought him to the hospital, saying that she witnessed him being hit by two cars. After the doctor X-rayed him, all that was found was some scratches and the remains of some small bird in his stomach.
After a few weeks of trying to locate his owner, my son brought him home to join our family of animals, among which were two other cats. Eventually, and without much trouble, they all learned to find the peace to live together.
He is one of those cats, unusual to say the least, for his friendly and charming ways. So pleasant and undemanding, and often funny, especially as he interacted with some of our dogs. They had a very special understanding.
Nearly 8 years have passed. Every morning he tries to follow me as I start out for my walk. I have had to put him into the house on many occasions so he would not be with me on this walking journey. I am touched each time to know he would like to accompany me, as I realize it would not be safe for him.
For the past two mornings, we have had a tremendous amount of rain. I have missed my walks, and have not been home much, due to many things that have come into my schedule. I thought about Opus, and did wonder why I hadn’t seen him... even with all the wetness, he manages to show himself. He wasn’t a roamer, and usually was seen lying somewhere on the front lawn, or driveway, often with another cat.
That smell that is unmistakable came to my attention the night before. The next day, it was stronger and I felt a small animal had met it’s death. I got into my car to pull away, when I saw him... on the side of my house, so still... laying there.
After a possible two days, in heat and rain, his body was ravaged by nature taking it’s course. I was stunned. I first sat back in my car for quite a long while... thinking many things.... how, and why?
Feeling confused, I left the house to go sit in a coffee shop, and thought about telling my son. Then it hit me. With the tears on my face, I went home and dug a hole a few feet away from where his remains rested. Covering him gently with the dirt that takes all of death’s children, and always manages to replenish the living in the same act.
I planted a sweet potato vine there, for Opus. The word that came to me now shows it’s clear meaning. We will miss him dearly.
Posted by kay at July 7, 2006 02:05 PM