Jade

The past week has been coloured by the ill-health of one of our cats, Jade. She has alwasy been thin in a Siamese kind of way; but recently lost weight again. We put her on tablets and special food for a possible kidney problem; then she stopped eating. We tried antibiotics. When there was no change, and our beautiful cat was just fading away - although still "herself"- we had to decide to let her go. I miss her everywhere I look, it seems...but most of you will know how this feels. She was small, and black with white socks and a white blaze and chest, and gorgeous jade eyes (green, not the reflective blue in the pic!). She was no lap-cat, but condescended to sleep on beds. Her smallness made her seem very prim and proper; she alwasy spoke politely when spoken to (Siamese ancestry again!).

To those bold enough to wonder, the answer is, "Yes, we'll get another cat!" - probably in the July holidays.

Continuing

We recently swopped two rooms around: the boys' room to the study, and the study to the boys' room. They have more space; I have a view of the garden; we all win! Friends and family, seeing the change, all agree it's a good one. "What took you so long?" is the most frequent comment! You might be saying the same about this new post - indeed, I'm saying it to myself: what took you so long?
The answer isn't really important - at least, not as important as writing again. Like moving rooms, it's obviously right...

Amongst all the busyness and ups and downs, one or two things stand out. There have been many hugs - from small boys, from friends. As my children get older, it does indeed "get easier", as my friend Barbara always reassured me. I marvel at what my boys can now accomplish on their own - new words delighted in, new heights climbed, new social skills mastered... I keep hearing stories of God's goodness, of his timely intervention in our lives: a house rented out, a meal provided, a job offered, forgiveness asked...Now and again, my soul is refreshed by a beautiful view, an autumn leaf, or shared laughter. Things grow and change. I pick myself up and try again.
Life is good.