Happy 18th Birthday to Willow!

Cats are fascinating creatures that come in a vast array of personalities, but God gave his sweetest to me! My darling Willow turns 18 years old today and as I reflect on how many years that is, I can barely remember life without her. I was not in search of another cat, but from the moment I laid eyes on her fuzzy adorableness, I was a goner. In that time, she has been on many adventures as she has moved with us 10 times! I suspected from the beginning she would have a long, healthy life. She was always so consistent in her gentle and playful ways that I never even considered her age until we almost lost her two years ago. Prayers and a change in diet turned things around, and though she is now doing great, over time her behavior and habits have somewhat altered. Naturally for the worse, except in one area — somehow, in God’s kindness, aging has only made this precious kitty even sweeter and more affectionate. It has been a gift to spend many hours holding her in my arms and being soothed by her soft purs. I don’t know how much longer she will be with us, but at this age, every day is a blessing. And above all, I thank God that in her 18 years of life she has only known love and comfort and nothing about the cruelty of the world. If only the same could be said for us all, but at least for Willow, life has been a dream.