Good morning, kittens! They are doing so well with their little cat door that takes them down to the basement. They are only locked in overnight so that we can all get some sleep and they are free to come and go, upstairs and downstairs, all day long. Every morning when we unlock their door, I get excited to see them again. If they had been sleeping on my head all night long, I would not be so excited to see them. So the cat door was a good investment.
Every once in a while, though, that little cat door swings back towards them and smacks them in the head. And they back up, shake their head and try to push it open again.
I felt like that little cat door smacked me in the head yesterday. The kids went back to school after being home on Spring Break for 10 days and my re-entry was hard. I like them being home with me. A lot. I love my kids with all of my heart but I also like them with all of my heart. They are smart and funny and loving and so level-headed. And they talk to me about their likes and dislikes, about their friends, their classes, their teachers, about their dreams, hopes, and goals, and about their worries and fears. They share themselves with me and I am so honored that they do.
So when they go back to school, I miss them terribly and it's hard to get back into a rhythm. I was just off all day - trying to get through that kitty door - and then also had to compose and send two very difficult emails today, effectively saying good-bye to some parts of my life. On top of that, my vet told me yesterday that he's leaving the area for another opportunity. Because of all the health issues that our crazy puppy has had, I've spent a lot of time with Dr. R over the past three years - a LOT. He had tears in his eyes when he told me and it was all I could do not to break down and cry over his departure. He has been so wonderful to work with and I will miss him a lot.
So, yeah. Re-entry was hard. I had some hard, hard moments during the day and I missed my kids more than I can say. But that little kitty door has to give at some point and I'll start over with a shake of my head and try to push it open again tomorrow.