“Inadequate words for this day”
A reflection by Karole Badgley, Director of Music & Tapestry Ministries
The silence is deafening—
Without your “prrrt” nor “meow”–
No cry for food, pats, scratches, rubs, attention—
A glance towards the office door—
For that round Tabby face—
Which no more will materialize at whim—
Throughout the day—
And into the wee hours of the night—
That Soulful presence—
With a Spirit larger than life itself—
Inside you, the Feline Extraordinaire—
Our first meeting—
The holiday, Thanksgiving ’21—
A crisp autumn day—
Under an umbrella of drifting leaves—
As a creative moment of inspiration—
Sought to transform file cabinetry into art—
“Be careful, sweet kitty”—
Was the mantra of that day—
As you explored the sights, sounds, aromas—
Of those ancient office fixtures—
Who would have anticipated—
The days, weeks, months, years—
When life’s cycle transported you
From abandoned feral life to beloved feline—
In this parish community.
Today—
Our hearts break—
As your journey redirects upon a new path—
One we chose—
For your health, your safety, your well-being–
You touched lives by mere presence—
Parking lot “welcomes”—
Leading us to the “magical” Parish Hall door—
Your sixth “sense” of awareness—
Knowing precisely who and when—
Someone needed comfort, peace, a friend—
At that moment—
In their life—
Displaying your inner “wild side”—
With kitty-wand feathered mice—
The ever-changing laser light–
Or potent catnip sachets—
Everything…was fair game—
Cardboard containers–
Of an array of shapes and sizes—
Metamorphosized to hideouts or sleeping chambers—
All…were fair game—
Culinary preferences—
Of “cuts” over “pate”—
With Salmon in white cream sauce—
The Entrée of choice—
Your eyes—
Intense yellow—
Changing in a moment’s notice—
From a display of fierce strength—
To slits of pure adoration—
Though you passed through that same Parish Door–
For the final time, today—
You have exited the building—
Yet, you remain in our hearts—
We are forever changed—
Because of what you taught—
And have given to us—
That gift of our Creator’s LOVE.