An Unexpected Kitten Gift

Karen Rose Smith and Zoie Joy...

Karen Rose Smith

When I'm writing, each day is an adventure of finding out what my characters are going to say and do next. My life, on the other hand, I like to keep on an even keel. The unexpected happens but still in an "ordinary" way.

As we get older, our lives become filled with anniversary dates. I try to find positive ways to deal with those anniversary dates and holidays and when I miss someone I love. June has one of those anniversary dates for me--my parents' anniversary.

When I was growing up, I always had a cat. My mom cuddled them. My dad tolerated them. But he knew how much I loved each one we befriended over the years. So when I got married, it was natural to have a cat or two. We have two now who are eleven years old. We hadn't expected to bring any more into our lifestyle. After all, don't we all know our place? Aren't our lives settled the way they are?

Zoie Joy

As my parents' anniversary date approached, I was busy with a book deadline and thinking maybe this year, I would take a walk and get on with my day. But... My husband was gardening. When he came in for lunch, he told me he'd heard a baby kitten in a small gnarled weeping redbud tree by our patio. When I went outside, he found her and it was love at first sight. She was tiny, scared, dehydrated and hungry. After we fed her mashed-up cat food with water, she cuddled right up with me and fell asleep in my arms. I held her most of the day, feeding her little bits often. After my husband drove to the store to buy kitten food, I asked, "Do you know what today is?" And he did. We were keeping her.

We named her Zoie Joy. Zoie after a character in one of my books who runs away to find bliss...and Joy because that's what this kitten has brought us.

And yes, I believe my parents sent us this little gift because we needed to remember that life isn't just about routine and busyness--but about those unexpected joys.

Karen Rose Smith

©2012 Karen Rose Smith