Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

I don't know the origin of the phrase, 'parting is such sweet sorrow', but we have all experienced the bitter and the sweet that comes with ending a chapter in our lives and beginning a new chapter. For Cathy (pictured with her husband above the cake) the sweetness comes with the wonderful times she anticipates with her travels and her family. For us, the joy of seeing her happy and knowing it is possible to devote years to an occupation, and still have something lovely to look forward to, if the Lord wills. Having seen so many sad faces when, immediately after retirement, a tragedy or illness struck, it always makes me happy and gives me hope to see those who get to live some dreams and be surrounded by family as Cathy is today.

It was also a bitter sweet goodbye for Pepsi as we took her, after work, to her new home at "Catnip Sanctuary, Inc." where she allowed her new loving mum reach in and take her out of her carrier and into her transition cage. If she learns to get along with the other cats,she will be allowed out to wander in a lovely, country pen...outdoors where she has never been before, except to ride in a carrier to the vet. This has the potential of being a great adventure for her too, if she will only embrace it. We pray she will.

As for Catnip Sanctuary, Inc., their funding is down and we will help them out to provide for Pepsi as some of their benefactors were even older than their cats. They have all sorts, sizes and breeds of elderly cats that shelters won't take. They also specialize in those with health problems or are handicapped or have been abused. 55% of them are over 12 years old. They use 140 lbs of dry food monthly, 25 cans of wet food daily and 200 pounds of litter a week. The cats are clean and well groomed. They are well cared for, but the sanctuary itself could use some repair and new materials. A very sweet lady does all of this with the help of a few volunteers. She has devoted her life to the rescue of these kitties, and now Pepsi will benefit from it. Amazing to me.