Grateful Not Only for the Good Days
Last Thursday I was sitting in the sun in Amalfi and enjoying lunch outdoors overlooking the Marina Grande beach. There were a few brave souls making their way slowly out into the cold water and returning soon enough to lay in the warmth of the sun. Spring is just about to burst open here on the Amalfi Coast, and everything from trees to tourism is coming back to life.
The next morning my cat, Puffy, showed up in the garden in terrible pain. We rushed him to the vet’s office in Maiori to find that he had a urinary block. Tests were done and there has been no significant damage to his kidneys, so thankfully he hadn’t been blocked for very long. We remembered that he seemed quite normal Thursday evening. With a catheter, the IV attachment in his front arm and a cone around his head, the following few days (and nights) were very long. As I sat for hours next to him in the bathroom to keep him calm, I had a lot of time to focus on certain ideas that have been in my mind for months now.
A very sweet patient
One of the words that kept coming back to me was gratefulness. As Puffy purred away while I sat next to him—even when he was in pain—I realized that was his way of telling me how grateful he was for me being there beside him. I thought about how grateful I am, in turn, for all the happiness he has brought us, and how insignificant and easy it is to give him this time and a few nights of sleep. I am grateful that he is recovering now and for this time helping him along that road. It was time that I needed to spend away from my busy schedule.
It’s easy to be grateful for the good days when the sun is shining and life seems easy. But what about the other days when you’re exhausted, frustrated or worried? I realized I don’t want to miss those days. I want to be grateful not only for the good days, but also for the challenging days, the long days, the stressful days. There is something in each of those days to be grateful for – if only the purring of an animal that is grateful for your love and care.
Feeling much better now!
anne
Yes Laura we should be grateful for more than just the good days ..So happy and pleased for you that Puffy is doing so well now .. take care ♥
Laura
Thanks, Anne! He’s still recovering, and today I’m quite concerned about how he looks. Another day of close observation and this evening we’ll decide if we need to go back to the vet.
LindyLouMac in Italy
Poor Puffy, it is so difficult when ones pets are unwell, so happy to hear he is doing better.
Laura
Thanks for your comment, Linda. Puffy’s situation was looking good Monday evening, but yesterday he didn’t improve much at all. He still doesn’t seem well to me, but we’re just waiting and watching.
Chef Chuck
Hi Laura, We all have so much to be grateful for, it’s good to remember that every day. Life is wonderful.
Pets bring such joy to our lives, I’m glad you have each other. Chuck’s wife, Patty
Laura
Ciao Patty! You’re right, it’s important to try to remember what we are grateful for each day. It’s easier to be distracted by the bad things that may happen, but those times pass. What we are left with is the choice whether or not to remember the bad things or what we are grateful for. Having pets also brings a great deal of pain when they are unwell. But it’s far outbalanced by the joy!
Dotti G
Hope Puffy is better. This happened to my big orange cat and he blocked up again and in the end had surgery for this. That was 4 years ago and today is he better than ever. Absolutely love Puffy – will be praying he is okay soon.
Laura
Thanks, Dotti! Our vet told us about that surgery, and we will consider it if this happens again, because imagining watching him go through this process again and again would be too sad. He’s still not quite back to normal, but he’s getting there. We have a special food now and some medicine that is supposed to help prevent it. The challenge is that he’s mostly an outdoor cat that comes inside, so it’s hard to keep a really close eye on this problem. But throughout the last week he’s actually learned to use a litter box, which means there is some hope there for him becoming more of a home cat. Thanks for your prays and wishes! So glad that your big orange cat is doing so well. That gives me good hope! 🙂
Nicole
Ciao Laura,
Best wishes to you and Puffy. These furry friends are true sources of comfort and friendship and I wish Puffy a speedy and full recovery.
Nicole
Laura
Ciao Nicole! Thank you so much for your good wishes. Tonight he took off with my measuring tape while I was working on craft project … so I think he’s getting back to his playful and crafty self. 🙂
Lorrie
What is the latest on Puffy? Is he still getting better? I will say a prayer for him. I’ve gone through health issues with both my cats in the past year and know how upsetting it is.
I’m now finding some time to read your blog and enjoying it! I grew up in Maryland btw (a little town called Damascus).
Laura
Ciao Lorrie! This morning Puffy is looking much more back to normal. Yeah! Thank you for your kind words and support!
I’ve not been to Damascus, but I have heard of it. I went to college in Annapolis, and I loved those years there. Still one of my favorite towns in America. After that I moved to the DC area for work before going to Minnesota for graduate school.
Lorrie
So glad to hear he’s looking better! Hopefully it’s all behind you.
When I lived there, Damascus only had 3,000 people. You didn’t miss anything by not going there! 🙂
Welshcakes Limoncello
Oh, poor Puffy. Lots of love to him and to you from Sicily. xx and simi says “woof”!
Laura
Thanks, Pat & Simi! We’re still watching Puffy closely. I’m not sure he’s doing all that much better. If he’s like this on Monday I think we’ll be going back to the vet for a check. Fingers crossed!!
Linda Lou
Hi Laura-when I look at Puffy, I see my orange cat Sunshine, who is 15 and getting older and moving slower..he has always given me unconditional love, and when I think of him hurting it breaks my heart— and I too am grateful for having him in my life—let us celebrate all the animals in our lives who give so much to us-hope Puffy is all better now!!
Dotti G
Sorry to hear Puffy isn’t feeling well. As I told you my orange cat Pumpkin was miserable and blocked up again but had the surgery and between that and special food has never had the problem again. I’m sure he will be fine in the end. I know how special those orange boys are. Will be keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura
Ciao Dotti! I’m so glad that your cat Pumpkin has been doing well after the surgery. While Puffy is doing better, I think he is still having trouble. The surgery may be the only solution for him to be comfortable. Thanks for your sweet comment!