In March, it will be three and a half years since I lost my mother and two years since I lost my beloved cat, Gucci. I had Gucci since I was in college, and since I don’t have children, I doted on him as if he was my human child. Those of you who have pets will likely understand. I loved that cat more than I thought I could love anything. I used to say there were only four people who were most important to me in my life. My mom, dad, brother, and Gucci (yes, I am considering Gucci as a person).
I lost half of them within 18 months of each other. I was terrified that I could lose the other two in an instant (and, in all reality, I guess I could). I had a very hard time finding happiness. I had a hard time laughing. I had a hard time trusting. I felt that I could never love again.
Through coaching, therapy, and the support of wonderful friends and family, I was able to work through the trauma of the losses. Suddenly, I noticed myself smiling again. I noticed myself laughing again. I noticed myself letting down the walls and barriers that I built so high for what I thought was my own protection.
My brother and my friends had been asking me: “Are you going to adopt another cat?” I had even coached around that issue and came to the conclusion that I didn’t want the responsibility or to experience loss again. At the end of December, I was heavily persuaded by a friend to go to a cat adoption center. I honestly thought that I was going in just to see. I didn’t have any expectations. By the way, I don’t think anyone believes me when I tell them that.
When I adopted Gucci, I knew he was the one. At the shelter, I was introduced to two kittens. I thought they were cute and silly and I liked them, but I didn’t have the connection I had with Gucci. After learning about the kittens’ backstory and some more persuasion, the next thing I knew, I was filling out an application and handing my credit card over to put down a deposit.
On December 31, I picked up the two newest members of my family…brother and sister kittens about five months old. I had an experience that I hadn’t had in a while. I now had someone dependent upon me. I was so happy getting my home ready. I enjoyed buying their supplies and toys. I enjoyed seeing them get to know their new home.
The transition went very well for all three of us. I actually felt my heart feel different. My heart felt full and I was smiling from ear to ear. My dad even commented that he hadn’t seen me this happy in as long as he could remember. I’m so happy that I adopted them. They have filled my life so much.
I was very resistant to allowing happiness into my life because I thought I was playing it safe by not allowing myself to be hurt again. I realized that the walls and barriers that I set up to protect myself were actually a hindrance. They did not allow me to experience what was coming next in my life.
I haven’t had these kittens for very long and I’d be devastated if something untimely were to happen to them. I now know that I can get through it because I already got through some very painful events.
Adopting these kittens is the start of a new chapter. A chapter where I could put the pain and hurt of the past three and a half years behind me. I could take the lessons that I learned and turn them into strengths. I am in a place to be open to new experiences, meeting new people, and achieving new heights.
So, I may be smiling again, and I may have torn down those walls and barriers that I put up to protect myself, but I’m not back. I’m better!!
