July 2; The Cat Came Back

I decided to keep Gaidyn. The kitten won me over. I cannot believe it but the little monster wiggled his way into my heart.

Here is how it happened. After his brother, Kodiak, moved to a new home, I decided Gaidyn needed some company. He would cry when he was alone. The obvious location for him upstairs was my bedroom. I guess that was my first mistake but, onward in the story we go. I took the beast to the cottage with me. Aside from being beyond adorable, Gaidyn emerged from the basement with an astounding personality. My father was downright silly around him and even my mother seemed to really like him. Gaidyn would tear around the cottage and do his signature “zombie walk”.

Then it happened – the act that tied me forever to this little life. Gaidyn disappeared while I was working away on my vegetation collection, my mother was lying down and my father was making some call outside. For a half an hour, we all tore the cottage apart – calling his name every second – desperate to find the kitten. After a while, we all agreed he has to be outside somewhere. The search began.

Fairly quickly, my hopes of finding him were diminishing. By the hour and a half mark, the voice inside of head said that some vulture had swooped down and taken Gaidyn away from us forever. I know that sounds completely ridiculous but the mind is an amazing magician. The most impossible things flow steady through my imagination.

My father was distraught. My mother apologized every time she saw my glum face. I didn’t know what to do. I felt like crying or running but I knew both of those things would accomplish nothing. I felt so silly. It was just a kitten from some barn and I already had fallen in love. It was a set up for disaster.

Then, finally – miraculously – he just reappeared from seemingly nowhere. It was a grand celebration and I promised to myself and God that if Gaidyn came back I would keep him safe from then on in. I always keep my promised. The kitten is now officially an Ethier.

I wonder how he is going to change as he gets older. I wonder if the same playfulness and spunk will stand the test of time. Spooky lived all his 16+ years as a kitten in spirit – I do not see why things would be any different with Gaidyn. He has certainly formed a bond with me and I intend to foster that special connection.

Here’s to him – Gaidyn, the King of Tabbies


- Jeffrey