73

The song, n-n-n-nineteen, nineteen is running through my head.

a couple of days ago my cat turned 73 in his time; in ours, 12. It's a long time.

he's a good cat. he's not windey around my ankles or too mewley. he likes a good scritch behind the ears or under the chin every now and again, but isn't too demanding, and has NEVER jumped up onto my lap when i didn't want him there. he's a little shy of strangers, but usually comes out and makes an appearance (mostly i think so friends can coo about how handsome he is). he seldom bites, and never unless provoked. as opposed to being a temptation for small children (whom he despises) he keeps himself hidden well away until they are sleeping, or gone. he doesn't like animals, either.

he only knows one "trick" because to know more would be beneath his dignity. it's in quotes, because it's really just a matter of family etiquette, more than a trick. when i am holding him and he wants to get down, he gives me a "kiss" (a tentative nose to nose tickle of the whiskers) before he goes.

he's good at the vet, which is no small miracle considering how often he has to go, and what they do when he's there. he's diabetic, so every trip is a blood draw (for testing) and a fairly extensive wait (in a room full of the smell of panic and fear). they treat him with love, though, to which he always responds well.

he's smart, and funny. he knows how to lie. he's proud, and i've seen his pride hurt in ways that i never thought anyone other than a human could suffer. he's tender and caring, and worries over my daughter nearly as much as i do when she wakes in the night, crying from a nightmare. he's compassionate, and will try to purr away an illness in one he loves. he helped usher my beloved grandfather from this world to the next with a gentle quietness and a rumbling purr of what i can only believe was born of understanding and love.

he's my friend, my sounding board, and my companion. my one time / sometimes drinking buddy... and my pre-baby baby. he's the very first "obligation" that i ever willingly took on... and i'm so very glad (and lucky) that i did.