Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie

My photo
I am Father Tom Fish, esteemed member of the religious team at Temptation of Christ Parish in the novels by author Julie Mackenzie. As to my background, I was invited into the rectory as a stray, laid on the charm, and was invited to stay, even honorarily ordained and no less spiritual than my sidekick Father Will. He dotes on me to high heaven and forgives all of my street cat proclivities, whatever the hell that means.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Paws to Fill

Hi, everybody, Tinker here--

Boy, I think we might be making our way out of the blues big-time, finally. Mom Julie starts to cry and I hear her and run to her, figuring a cuddle or making her scratch behind my ears might help. I can't be Tom. I won't even try, but I can be cat, Tinker cat, and I can be kittenish, too. She holds Tom's wooden box and the tears start.

I can't even begin to tell you how I feel when I look around for my buddy and all I see is Anastasia..sheesh, Tom, how could you!?






Anyway, Stasia and I are getting along much better. Mom Julie makes us play together and she can't play and hiss at the same time, thank goodness (that's Stasia, not the mom)

So, we're trying to get our lives back together, settle in to our new home and I need my teeth cleaned. Mom Julie doesn't want to let me out of her sight, hemming and hawing over which vet to go to. She's getting clingy, my friends and, you know what? The other day, I almost jumped out of my skin. See for yourself..

Tom? Is that you?




I don't know if it was him or not, but I'd like to think it was.

It feels good to be back posting again. I don't know how often we'll be here, but we'll do our best. Meanwhile, those of you on Facebook, look for us..we're always good for a quick word or two..

Hugs to all of you who have cared so much.

37 comments:

Quill and Greyson said...

Good to see you back too. Purrs and hugs to you all.

Just Ducky said...

You will do just fine Tinker. Angel Tom will coach you.

Purrs to your mum.

Cathy Keisha said...

Oh Tinker, I feel badly that Tom is gone. He was special to me and you are too. If'n you need anything, just ax. I loved what you posted to me in a comment after Tom passed. xoxox

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

Hi Tinker, Stasia and Mom...Writing is therapy, and we hope that in between the tears, your heart can heal but it will take time...Teri still gets tears in her eyes when she thinks of those who came before...that just means she (and you) are compassionate and have good hearts.

One thing Teri's therapist told her after our Cat Daddy died, was this:

She said grief is softened with time, but one never really 'gets over it' but to let it wash over you like a wave, but not knock you down.

She said at first it is like a sharp shard of glass, able to cut you and cause pain. With time, it is more like sandwashed glass, with the edges not sharp and not able to cut you in that form...

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh how we have missed you all. Hey Tinker, don't be surprised if Tom visits you from time to time. My late Brother Ivan visit me and offers me advice sometimes. Hugs from all of us.

Cats Herd You said...

We're so glad to see you post again. It sounds like you're doing a good job taking care of Mom Julie and helping her heal. Big purrs and hugs from all of us.

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

Mieow Tinker, we thinkz you will do jus fine dude ^.,^ With Tom coachin you from de Bridge how could you not! We all miss Tom furry much too ♥♥xo Owr mom still will cry at de drop ov a hat, if efur dere iz de mention ov Morgana who passed before we started blogging(went to de Bridge 2008), da mom say's she waz mommeh'z ♥ , den wif Penelope leaving so suddenly....... mom said that caught her TOTALLY off guard... :(

Dun't feelz bad Tinker, we can only be who we are, and be SURE your mommeh luvz you & Anastasia & Mitty furry much ♥♥♥♥

AND WE LUVZ YOU ALL TOO! FURRY MUCH!! ^.,^ x6 ♥♥xoxo♥♥

Sweet Purrfections said...

How nice to see you back. Take all the time you need to heal.

Anonymous said...

Oh Dog! I didn't know! I am sending lots of prayers for comfort for you all.

Colehaus Cats said...

You've been so missed! Can't wait to hear more from Tinker and Stasia and the occasional visits from angel Tom. Purrs and kisses...

cats of wildcat woods said...

We all come back to blogging when we are ready after a loss. You know we are all here whenever you feel like posting. Tinker - you will be fine as the new host here.

The Island Cats said...

Tinker, we know Tom is all around you...and Stasia and Mom Julie too...watching over all of you. Most of the time you won't know he's there. But every once and awhile, he'll let you feel his presence. We think that was one of those times.

We're glad you're back blogging...we think it will help ease your sadness. Purrs....

Katnip Lounge said...

Oh how good it is to hear from you! Mommy is terrible about FB so we are always behind on news.

Healing a broken heart takes a lot of time, remember we're always here with an ear and a (virtual) shoulder to lean on.

Mary said...

It's so wonderful to see you here! :) I think of Tom too, and i believe he is watching you, Anastasia and your Mom, Tinker. I feel it deep in my heart! I love your new header photo. It's magnificent! I'm glad it makes you feel good to post now. Such a loss as you've had is so very difficult. And i'm sending hugs from Oregon and lots of love. xx

Anonymous said...

Oh hey Tinker! And Miss Anastacia too....so purrleased to see you both. And we miss Tom too, but seriously kow he is safe and well at The Bridge,,,and looking out for his Mom and all of you. Mom Linda sends hugs to your Mom Julie and I send you my bestest purrs

Sparkle said...

I'm glad to see you taking charge, Tinker. Humans do take a long time to heal, but I am glad to know you are helping. I look forward to hearing more from you.

Fuzzy Tales said...

We're glad to see you back. Grief takes its own course for us all, so just help your human as you are able. We're sending her purrs and wishing her peace in her heart.

BTW, you don't even want to know how paranoid our human became after Chum's sudden death, and then after Annie's passing. How paranoid she still is!

Blessings.

Katie Isabella said...

Tinker I am proud to get to know you better and what a handsome mancat you are. I as a ladycat notice these things. xox

Old Kitty said...

Awwwwwwwwwww! It's so lovely to see a blog post from you lovely Tinker and a big paw hug to beautiful Anastasia! We think you are doing a marvellous carrying on in honour of sweet angel Tom! We send mum extra special hugs! Take care
x

Catio Tales said...

Good to hear from you! Tom's there, of course, just out of the corner of your eye. Maybe you can just feel his purrs.

Tamago said...

It is so great to see you back. Tinker, you are good kitty to take care of mom and her broken heart. It takes time to heal but she must be so glad you are there for her.
Hugs and purrs from Goro, Niko and Tamago

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

soooo good to see you whenever you feel you are able to be here. It takes time, be kind and patient with yourself. I am willing to bet that all of us have been there.
Also, if you THINK that that was Tom, rest assured, it more than likely WAS
xoxoxo

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Mom Julie
We can totally empathize with your feelings right now. It is so difficult, grief is such a agonizing journey. We are so glad to see you post and loved seeing Tinker and Stasia, but like you our hearts yearn for my beloved Abby. Our lives turned upside down inside out on August 12th, and when your world collapses there is nothing but a big black hole.It takes a long time to get out of that. For myself I can't quit talking about her, and I suppose I've bored her readers to death with my continued sadness and total state of just missing her. But I just wanted you to know if you ever need to "talk" to someone feel free to contact me at manxmnewsATgmailDOTcom. Sometimes it just helps to talk and be heard. Thinking of all of you and sending your peace filled blessings.

xoxoxo

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am sure that Tom did come to visit you. Mum feels that Eric has been back to check on her too. I am glad to see you posting again.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

So nice to see you. There will be many tears but it seems you are helping mum a lot. I think that yes Tom was there with you and will always be so. Hugs GJ xx

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

Purrs and headbutts to you all. Father Tom is still with you, and he will help from Above.
I have a little something to cheer you all on my blog. And in honor of Tom.
QUINN

Random Felines said...

purrs to all of you. you have had so many changes in such a short time - but we are glad to see you posting and bet it will help with everything as well.

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

Even if you don't do awards any more, you still deserve them! Hope this gave you a smile and a little glimmer in your hearts. That was the most important message.
QUINN

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

Sending hugs and purrs through the grieving. We think you're doing a good job, Tinker, trying to make your mom feel better. It is good to see you all again.

The Furries of Whisppy said...

It's been a challenging couple of weeks for all of you. We're happy to see you back!

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Angel Brandi and Quinn,

Thank you so much! You are sweet to think of us, especially Tom. He would be pleased as punch!

Clooney said...

Oh Tink, we know you must miss your dear friend Tom so much. We are so glad to hear that Anastasia is warming up to you. We love your new blog header too. We miss Tom very much too and send you, Stasia and Mom Julie a bunch of love and good thoughts. We hold you all close in our hearts and wish you the best for settling in to your new home.

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

Good boy Tinker. You have to look after the mummy. Please give her a snuggle from us.

CATachresis said...

Tinker, great to meet you buddy! I think you are doing a super job cheering up mom Julie :)) All these things take time! xoxox

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

I am glad things are settling.. It is nice of you to try to make your momma smile.

Remember it wasn't Tom's decision to leave..

purrs to all of you.

Unknown said...

Fisher and I just want to let you know we have a lot of love and purrs for you.

Shaggy and Scout said...

Hang in there Tinker, and Stasia too! You're helping her so much!