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November22, 2006 - November 22, 2006 - Special Treat - From Me! >> |
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Storytime Tapestry Newsletter The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural
awareness throughout the world. Hearts and Humor – A Michael Smith Column I love you, Family. What a wonderful thing, to have so many who read my writing. You people - my family - keep me going. We gained a few more family members this week, but we are a long way from 1000. Please keep forwarding my stories. If something I write touches your heart, please pass it to your friends. Help me reach my goal - 1,000 family members. I love my family. I'm sure you've loved many people in your life, but have you been rewarded with their love? You can't make them love you. Thanks to all of you who sent emails to Tom, who lost his wife recently. Thanks to those who also too the time to email Chet. I spoke to both gentlemen this weekend. They are amazing. Chet spent time in a prison camp during WWII. He's an incredible. Tom, has a wonderful dog who inspires him with his courage. You can read their stories in past issues. Go too, http://subs.zinester.com/86758/ You Can't Make Them Love You My son, Justin, opened the top of the box. Kitten leaped out, hissed at us, and dashed for the shelter of my computer desk. "Come here, Kitten." I whispered and reached out to pet her. The young cat, wide-eyed with terror, hissed at me. She stayed behind my computer desk and refused to come out. My hand got a couple of inches from her, before she darted forward and sunk her needle-sharp teeth into my hand. With a paper towel, I soaked up the blood oozing from the tiny punctures. "OK, cat! Have it your way. I'll leave you alone." My 16-year-old son asked to have a cat after his mom died. I think he felt lonely, coming home from school to an empty house. I finally gave in and agreed. "If we find one, it has to be a female. I want one that is de-clawed and neutered. Those are the rules." He agreed. The SPCA had two cats that fit my criteria. We picked Kitten. "I warn you," the lady said. "We were told Kitten doesn't like men. I'm sure she'll get used to you though. It's best if you have a room you can leave her alone in. It takes time for them to adjust to their new surroundings. Just go in every so often and talk to her. Let her get used to you." I left the room and closed the door behind me. On my way downstairs, I grumbled. "Why the heck did I get a cat? I swore I wouldn't own another pet." Justin left the cat and went to his room. He was disappointed, afraid he'd made a bad choice. He wanted a cat that would love him. The next day, every time one of us entered the room, Kitten hissed and ran behind the desk. If I worked at my computer, she hid in the closet. On the third day, I stepped into the room, before going to work. Kitten walked up to me and rubbed against my leg. I reached down and rubbed her neck. "Hello, Kitten. You sure changed in a hurry." It would be almost two years before she let me touch her again. Later that day, Justin called me at work. "Dad! You won't believe it. Kitten is friendly to me. She even came into my room." Justin's room became her sanctuary. She only came out to eat or use her litter box. When I passed his room, she'd stare at me and hiss. She became Justin's cat and stayed away from anyone else. A few months later, Ginny moved in with us. Kitten spat at her too. There was no sign of her becoming friendly. Ginny named her 'Little Miss Priss.' It took a year. She began to come downstairs, but only when Justin was there. One day, Ginny was home alone. 'Little Miss Priss' strutted into the living room and stared at Ginny. Ginny approached her. Priss hissed and ran upstairs to her sanctuary. After a year, 'Miss Priss' grew brave. She'd sit on the stairs and watch us. The stairs became her spot. She'd sit behind the banister and enjoy the safety of the railing. If I walked too close on my way to the kitchen, she'd reach out with her little white paw and swat me in the arm. One afternoon, Justin and I were both in the living room. I was in a chair he normally sat. Kitten heard his voice and bounded down the stairs, raced across the floor, and leaped into my lap. I stared at her. She stared at me. I imagined what she was thinking. "Uh Oh! This isn't Justin. This is 'The Man.' Be cool. Don't startle him. Everything is cool. Just turn around. Easy! Steady! OK, now leap to safety. " Off she went. It's been three years since she sank her teeth into my hand. We showed her love and let her hiss. Now, if Ginny sits on the sofa, she jumps up and sleeps beside her. I'm not home as much as Ginny, so Kitten isn't as brave with me. I come home from work, and she meows for me to follow her to the living room. I sit in my spot on the sofa. She rubs against my legs and allows me to rub her neck. When she's had enough, she nips at me and then settles at my feet. It takes time and patience. One day, I think she'll jump in my lap and want to be there. I'll show her my love and hopefully she'll return it. I can't make her love me. Michael T. Smith Please share my stories and include the link for your friends to join our family. Help me spread the word. I Love all of you. Mike ************* Please send your comments to mtsmith@qwestonline.com. I love your words of encouragement and promise to reply to all of them. I will include a few in each week's post |
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November22, 2006 - November 22, 2006 - Special Treat - From Me! >> |
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