aging and consequences

different thoughts

When I began this substack column on 5 November 2022, I said I would include gratitude. I didn’t say, because I thought it clear, how profoundly that mercy allows us to think about actions and consequences.

Today I write with deep gratitude for our wonderful Eleanor the Cat as she truly begins to show her age. She is a gorgeous tortie, rescued from somewhere in West Virginia where she was known as Dinah upon reaching the shelter in Alexandria seventeen years ago. She received a new name as my husband was in the early stages of a book on Franklin Roosevelt so Eleanor was in his mind. We thought a Franklin might join her later but it was Harry Truman instead.

She had an aversion, upon arrival, to anything upright. She took care of that every time a glass, a vase, or anything offended her. She was also so energetic as any youthful, then middle aged cat always is. Gradually, with more years and grace, she abandoned the whirlwind habits.

She remains beautiful but is deaf these days. She is also missing her lifelong success with the box which is far from endearing to the person who cleans up. She is hungry all of the time. While her ears don’t work, her sense of smell can react to a piece of fish in the kitchen regardless where she is in the place. Amazing noise she can generate, too, when she demands something.

I spend much time thinking about how much joy she has brought us over the years. This, of course, brings sadness to acknowledge that we clearly have already had the bulk of years with her.

This change in conditions is part of life, the part we generally don’t want to accept but must. Without her, we would have missed so much joy. Without her ageing, we would still be cleaning up after the objects overturned—or worse. Actions create consequences all the way around.

So, I settle in for another day of her sleeping, then coming for attention, then demanding midrats later in the day when her stomach kicks into full gear. That is wonderful to experience still, if bittersweet.

But, life is bittersweet as well as joyful, isn’t it?

Thank you for reading Actions today and any other day. I welcome comments, pictures, or anything else. Thank you for those subscriptions which are so appreciated.

Be well and be safe. FIN