I think this topic came to light to me the other day. Mom had discovered that Penny pooped in the basement during the day (while Mom was at work) and Mom said, "Why do we even bother with pets?" Or something to that effect. I stopped to think about it while the washing machine filled with water.
Why do I bother with my girls?
Let's think for a moment... where would I be without pets? Honestly. I have given this much thought. It's a very startling concept, but I believe it to be true.
Without my girls, or Maxine more specifically, I don't think I would be here.
What do I mean by that? Hmm... the literal sense: I would probably not be living in this apartment. Good enough... that I could handle, but that's not the point I was getting at.
During times when I only cried, during times when I only screamed, during times when I wanted to hurt myself but didn't, Maxine was there. She made me put things in perspective, to realize I was needed. She may not have done these things with words, or even her own reasoning, but she did give them.
Maxine and Tierna have given me a sense of responsibility. A responsibility for others' lives. I am proud to say that I have pets. I am proud that my girls are so great. I'm proud that they get along (even if it's not the best all the time). I'm proud to be a part of their lives.
So, regardless of the messes they make, or the things they destroy, or the grief I have when they are gone, I will love them. I will love them because they love me. Because I don't know where I would be without them.
Tierna views me as a mother, her protector. Even though that's the case, she would give her life to protect me as well. That's a special bond that I don't know what I would do if I hadn't ever had the chance to have. I know that having it taken away will be devastating, but I wouldn't WANT to know what life would be like without them.
Carisa
Happy idea for today:
(From: 14,000 things to be happy about. by Barbara Ann Kipfer)
savoring cool summer mornings to relax and energize (p. 177)
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