I set the small grey kitten on the white hospital blanket and waited—waited for the magic to start.
The wrinkled, white-haired lady on the bed seemed to go through a metamorphosis before my eyes. The bony fingers that reached out to the kitten seemed softer, and her voice stronger, as she caressed, called and coaxed the kitten into a miniature purr.
For a time, I had been the “cat lady volunteer” at the local seniors’ nursing home and had taken two kittens to the long-term care area for the patients. As I watched, the years seem to fall away from the elderly woman before me. Her face began to glow and her eyes to sparkle. Hesitantly at first, then with more confidence, she began to share the stories of cats and kittens that were part of her nearly forgotten memories.
I too felt transported in time.
My bed was a crib with tall wooden slats. At its end sat a large rag doll. Today she wore a full-skirted dress of gingham. She had no legs, for under her full skirt was another doll and by turning her upside down, I could have a doll with a blue plaid skirt. But I was tired of upside-down dolls. I had been in the crib for weeks now with a broken pelvis.
“Gordy’s coming,” Mom said. He was my big brother whom I adored. “He’s bringing you a surprise.” I could hardly wait. Within minutes he appeared at the door, the cowlick on the back of his head standing on end and a basket tucked unceremoniously under his arm.
“Got something for you, sport!” His rough voice belied his tender gesture as he placed the basket on my blanket.
Nestled half-asleep inside was a tiny kitten with one white paw. I thought my heart would melt and softly I reached out to touch the tiny triangle ears. And it commenced to purr.
“He likes you … that’s his way of telling you,” announced Gordy with his 13-year-old wisdom. My spirits lifted as I realized here was a real live friend, not just an upside-down doll.
That same sort of sunshine seemed to steal into the hospital room as my aging friend petted the tiny kitten.
“I had a calico cat once, “she said, with a tender smile.
We sat there together as memories filled both our minds. Memories of a special love you have for your pets. Finally, I lifted the now sleeping kitten and put it back in its towel-lined box.
“Thank you so much for your visit,” she said. “Come back soon.” And her eyes slid to the box in my hands. “Bring it too … it’s nice to again have a kitten to share.”
