In late winter, I went to my mom’s home for a few days while she prepared for surgery and a hospital stay. I was stranded there by a snowstorm. My dear cranky old cat was left alone back at my place. He had plenty of food and water, but he was a needy monster when I returned, following me around, grumbling, mewing, and crying. He needed attention and affection; he needed me to be really there.
I think this is a lesson about the things we are attached to – people and pets. Sometimes they just need us to be really there. Not distracted by tasks or electronic gadgets. Not physically present but mentally someplace else.
The best thing I did for my mom that week was to be there–present and supportive during a trying time. Even if my cat didn’t think so.
This message was adapted from “Being There,” a post on the Women of the ELCA blog, written by Kate Elliott.
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