Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie

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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.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Some Quiet Thoughts


Feeling such sadness over the loss of Sparkle while hurting over what we are so helpless to control,  I had to put the following down and make a thought-provoking connection:







As I was responding to a post http://www.canidae.com/blog/ by fellow blogger Julia Williams about how some people seem to think "a pet is just a pet," I was thinking how shallow so many assumptions like this really are. Some people have that attitude, but I hope to blazes it is a minority. Anyone who thinks like that has no sense of spiritual value or depth of feeling. They probably look at an old person and think they're "just another old lady or old man," and insignificant.

I have news for them. They are the ones who are insignificant. We can do without those who lack compassion and appreciation for those companions who are there for us when we're sick and serve as calming guides through a life fraught with uncertainty and pain. I know I couldn't ever face the inhumanity so prevalent on so many levels were it not for the comfort of a four-legged friend or friends.  Someone who dismisses an animal as inconsequential, is probably the type of person no animal or human should ever trust.

Our pets are instinctual, perceptive. Their place in our lives and our hearts are accepted routine as the days, months and years go by. Then, the shattering reality of their passing. An indescribable sadness falls over everything. It's such an emotional adjustment to eventually realize they will remain with us, but in a different way. For us though, because we appreciated their special place and recognized their value to our souls, will be blessed with a spiritual companionship until our own meeting with Fate.

A companionship some people will never know.


~~~~~~~~~~







RIP ~ Sparkle


17 comments:

momsbusy said...

I so agree. Sometimes I feel sad for those that do not know the love that a animal companion can offer. No matter how much pain I experience when I lose a beloved pet, I will always adopt another. They give to me far more than I can give to them.

RIP Sparkle

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

My father was a minister. And he definitely believed that animals go to heaven. As faithful companions, this blessed reward is what they deserve. I hope our family dog is with him. And mom (they both spoiled him!). There are also a few kitties I'm waiting to reunite with, too!

Random Felines said...

Well said....people ask mom all the time how she can go from work to volunteering. She says the cats are easier than people and don't make as many demands.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I agree, a pet is a very treasured part of the family.

Brian's Home Blog said...

That was wonderful and we shall all miss that dear Sparkle. There has never been a pet here, just lots of furry family members, all loved.

Tamago said...

I totally agree. Those who think animals are inconsequential...maybe they have never truly interacted with animals.

Cats of wildcat woods said...

Wonderful points - we are so very lucky to have our 4-legged companions in our lives.

Cats Herd You said...

Pets are absolutely part of the family, and in some ways, they are the heart of the family because they are always there even as other family members come and go about their human business.

meowmeowmans said...

We so agree. Pets are family, plain and simple. How blessed we are to have the privilege of our four-legged family members.

Unknown said...

The older I get, the fewer non-pet people I know. The internet has provided so many ways to get to know like-minded people who are so real, compassionate, understanding, and non-judgmental. It is such a gift and it continues to grow.

Team Tabby said...

Very well put.

Our pets are family members and they love us unconditionally, we must give love in return... there is room in our hearts for this.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Brian is so right, not just a pet but a family member and loved as such and so very missed when they leave us

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

True words with heart and soul. Plus animals and humans grieve in their own time. I'd like to see more honoring of that and not replace pets too soon.

Shaggy and Scout said...

Family members, all of them. Thanks for this great post.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Agreed, Layla. Out of respect for the pet, there should be a period of mourning and reflection for all to share. If there has to be an immediate replacement, let that wonderful creature step onto the stage when that period has passed and only then.

Meowers from Missouri said...

so sweet! so right!

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

Thank you for writing this...