Have you noticed that when something really critical is happening in your life, almost everything else can wait? Almost everything else is put on hold and your attention is focused directly in the moment. Plans, routines, commitments all set to the side.
It happens when people you love are taken to the hospital, involved in an accident, impacted by a tragedy. It happens when you get that call: someone is dying or dead, arrested, missing, hurt. The rest of the world stops in that instant. Everything that seemed so important isn’t so important anymore. Nothing to think about. No options to weigh. You are transported immediately to the moment.
It happened for me and Renee today. Our almost 18-year-old cat, Mae, was ready to go. Over the last three months we noticed a steady decline. The night before, she could no longer walk. Her body was done. She still wanted to move, but she couldn’t. Our plans for today were set aside. We gave her a lot of attention. Moving her into the sunlight so she could rest warmly. Carrying her to the litter box. Cleaning her since she was unable to do it herself. Holding her in one of her blankets in our lap telling her how sweet she is. Sweet, sweet girl.
We arranged for Dr. Anderson to come to our house to administer the drug that would allow Mae to go peacefully. It was important for her to be in our arms and in our home as she slipped away. And so, she did just that today, Monday, February 9, 2026. Our house will not be the same for a while…and neither will we.
This is a reminder…there is time for whatever is important in your life. Again and again, we learn so many things can wait. We can pick them back up when we’re ready. Maybe slowly at first. Maybe just a little bit at a time. So many things we thought were so damn important. They can wait.
Through tears
Paula
