christmas gift

As the year drew to an end, and we dug into celebrating the holidays with our family, a stray kitten, by way of a friend, came our way. As nice as it would have been to say that the "inn" was full, I surprisingly felt compelled to take this not-so-cute, starving, wormy, whiskers-burnt white and orange kitten home with us.

Now, I do consider myself a spiritual person. I do believe in: things that are meant to be, that everything happens for a reason, that there is a Christmas spirit, that Santa does exist. And on this particular Christmas morning, after a year or more of losing some of our most favorite creatures that had the most pure spirits, I believe a tiny gift was meant to be delivered to our family.

Corny, I know... But, honestly a heartfelt belief.

This kitten, this silly little kitten represents all that we held dear and all that we are striving for as a family in the year to come. He stares through you with understanding like Bryce, my best four-legger did. He demands your affection but gives it back three-fold like Lily, our best feline friend did. He is patience, love, gratitude, satisfaction, and peace - with an orange tail and four paws.

Oliver, Oliver Twist, is the sweetest spirit that will remind us all that our life is enough. That we should hold each other close and say "I Love You" way too much. That we should enjoy the day for what it is - wear slippers, eat cookies out of the jar, lay on the bed and talk, laugh.

Oliver, we don't know where you came from, but we are so glad that you are here.

Thank you, Santa...