Today, on the three month anniversary of Pan’s passing, once again The Blankie is back in action doing what it does best: serving as a feline comfort zone. I’ll explain.
I don’t remember exactly when it happened, but years ago – 10, maybe? – each morning I began the day by drinking my coffee and reading the morning papers on the couch… with Pan always by my side on The Blankie. And, depending on my schedule, at times I would sit on the couch throughout the day – and evening – and Pan would always follow me out to sit by my side (and often sleep) on The Blankie. Over time, it was the most natural thing in the world for visitors to our house to find Pan and I sitting on the couch… me, reading… and with my left hand resting on her back, Pan by my side… gazing at me, sleeping or – if we had company – sitting upright in a Sphinx-like position, gazing at our visitor.
After Pan passed, I left The Blankie in its center-cushion place – directly to my left… it just seemed the natural thing to do. When Calvin and Cherry came to live with us, I had hopes that one of them would find it to their liking and we could share some time together. Despite my assurances to them that The Blankie was TwoBigCats approved and certified, neither of them showed the slightest interest in The Blankie… or the couch, for that matter.
Until today.
Late in the afternoon, Springfield Al stopped by to visit and caught me – well, actually, the entire pack – napping. Calvin and Cherry being who they are, came out to the front of the house to see what all the barking was about. IIRC, Calvin cruised by Al to acknowledge his presence and shake his tail at Al, while Cherry remained slightly out of sight. Al stayed about 10 minutes, then headed out the door to catch a bit of a nap, himself.
And that’s when it happened. After seeing Al out the door (thx for latching the screen on the way out, Al!), Calvin came in to the front room and took the off-road course to the sewing machine perch @ the window. He looked out the window for ~1 minute, then looked at me @ my end of the couch. I patted The Blankie and said, “You know, two very special cats have spent many years on this blankie – maybe you would like it, too.”
That did it. He walked over to The Blankie, planted himself on it and curled into a half circle and closed his eyes… I instinctively reached out to pat / rub his shoulders and head as I had done with Pan sooooo many thousands of times over the years, and he began purring deeply.
We both woke with a start an hour later when Joanne called from work to say she was on her way home. When she drove in the driveway, then walked in the front door, Calvin remained on The Blankie… apparently content in his new-found resting place.
Strange coincidence that Calvin (or Cherry) would choose the three month anniversary of Pan’s passing to discover The Blankie, but it is what it is, eh? I hope Cal (and Cherry) continue using The Blankie.
Luv you and miss you, CatGirl.