“There are losses that rearrange the world. Deaths that change the way you see everything. Grief that tears everything down. Pain that transports you to an entirely different universe- even while everyone else thinks that nothing has really changed.” -Megan Devine
One thing I want to address before I proceed with this article: Last month I failed to post two articles, which is what I had previously promised my readers. The reason behind this will become clear as you read on. Also, to make up for the article discrepancy, I will be posting three articles this month.
It’s been said that love finds you when you least expect it; when you stop looking. I was familiar with this notion in reference to romantic love, however my recent experience was not amorous in the slightest, but purely a soul connection. It took me by surprise, it was beautiful and profound, it changed me forever- my soul connection was with Oliver the cat.
It all started about three years ago. My boyfriend Rick was going through a divorce, and I reluctantly agreed to meet him at the home he had shared with his ex, which he would be selling in the coming months. As I walked into the living room, around the corner came this beautiful male Siamese feline named Oliver- he was about thirteen at the time. He had gorgeous markings and stunning blue eyes which were crossed, making him look both somewhat goofy and endearing at the same time. I immediately began brushing him and doting on him. I would later learn this was not something he typically let people do, but Oliver seemed to soak up my affection like an attention-hungry sponge, and with that, an instant bond was formed.
The next time we crossed paths was quite a bit more unsettling, however. Rick and I had returned from a date, and upon seeing Oliver, I immediately lifted him onto my lap so we could cuddle on the couch. As I lovingly pet him and rubbed his chin he looked so calm- a little too calm. Before I knew it he was shitting all over me! It was gross and it certainly caught me off guard, but I wasn’t mad. Rick grabbed a bunch of paper towels and a change of clothes while he apologized profusely. It was so crazy and embarrassing we both burst out laughing! In a weird way, part of me was actually honored that Oliver felt comfortable to let loose like that- provided it wasn’t going to be our new normal! Before I knew it, we were resuming our evening snuggles and T.V. and Oliver was nestled back in my lap and all was right with our world yet again.
It should be noted that about a month prior, Oliver had his own harrowing experience when a box containing a mattress fell over on him. It was a freak accident, and Rick was certain Oliver was off dying somewhere in seclusion because there were drops of blood everywhere, and Oliver wouldn’t let Rick get anywhere near him. Therefore, Rick began preparing for the worst. However, in addition to being sweet and affectionate, Oliver was also a little tank and was not to be taken down so easily. Looking back, I believe he held on so we could meet- I will never doubt this.
Over the coming years, our bond would grow ever stronger. Unlike some cats that tend to be dismissive and aloof, Oliver would literally run to greet me when I’d walk through the door of Rick’s townhome. He wouldn’t meow like a normal cat however; he would squeak, as if using his own special language to communicate with me. He’d even follow me to the bathroom and hold vigil outside the door until I came out. In the evening he’d summon me by sitting on the couch and calling out to me as if saying “Well, I’m waiting!” Once on my lap (his favorite place), he’d give me the most aggressive head butts, to the point where I was truly concerned about him poking an eye out!And perhaps the sweetest thing of all, which I didn’t believe at first, was when Rick informed me that anytime we’d be on the phone, Oliver would perk up and start making his special sound. Then he’d come over to his phone and rub his furry little face against it. He was almost completely blind, and possibly because of this, he could hear my voice alarmingly well.
Then one day, as a foreshadowing of things to come, I’d noticed a lump on Oliver’s tail. At first I was concerned, thinking it may be cancer, but Rick assured me it had been there for many years. If it were in fact cancer, he certainly wouldn’t have made it this far. A realization that brought me comfort, albeit temporarily.
Nevertheless, in the months that followed, that lump would prove to be the ultimate nemesis. It would also bring to the forefront many things Rick and I had not wanted to see, both in regards to Oliver and also within ourselves.