(Photo by Warren Talbot)
Up until now, getting rid of stuff has been fairly easy. Even the reverse birthday party was only hard for a day or two beforehand. I’ve been pretty good about learning the difference between my memories and the objects that remind me of those feelings.
But lately I’m up against something I can’t easily overcome. You see, my cat is going to live with my mom in New Mexico this weekend.
Roo has been with me since my divorce, and she’s been the only real constant in my life the past 10 years. It is going to be very hard to see her go, even though I know she’ll be in a good home.
I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately (thanks to a 24-hour meltdown), and I’ve come to the realization that you can’t have everything, at least all at once.
So I’m here to admit to you that the preparations for this trip are not all roses and sunshine. There are real tears now about the cat, and I’m sure there will be more when the house is sold and the dog moves to his new home. And buckets more when I see my friends and family before we go.
Does this mean I don’t want to go? Of course not. But I do recognize how rich my life has become that I can feel this way about leaving it behind. And I think it will help me appreciate what I’m going to even more.
Have you ever had to give up something dear to accomplish a goal? Were you able to get it back later? Did you even want to?
About Betsy
I know that this is very hard on you and even knowing that Roo is going to a good home does not make it easier. You know that we will take good care of her and love her very much. But I know that I would feel the same way if we had to give up Squeaky. I wish that I could make all the tears go away. I promise to send lots of pictures so you can see how she is doing in her new home.
How does one become a butterfly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar. (Trina Paulus)
You’ll get through this, and on the other side, you’ll be so glad you did.
It’s all about making choices, isn’t it?! I empathize with you so much and send you a virtual hug. As for us, I don’t think we could ever give up time with our precious pup Eddie, even for a trip around the world. I already sob thinking about how short our life with him will be – and he’s only 3! But the beauty of life is we all have the freedom to make the choices that fit us uniquely. And you are so lucky that Roo will be staying in the family!
Aah, I feel for you. I still miss my cat and she’s been dead 10 years. She’d been with me for 18 before that, through my girlhood, young adulthood, and more moves and boyfriends and breakups than I can count.
I think you said it here- “You can’t have it all, at least not all at once.” You have some things at some times and in some places, and other things at other times. If you’re lucky, it all adds up to a well-lived life.
When I travel, the perfect combination for me is to have a marvelous time and then to be thrilled to be home. That’s what’s happening for you in reverse- you love your life and you’re also thrilled about your trip. And then you’ll love your new life after the trip.
She looks like a very cool cat. I suggest a photo in your wallet- that doesn’t take up too much space, does it?
You guys are terrific. I’m keeping all your thoughts and wishes with me as I prepare today for the trip to NM. I’ll have another post when I get back on how things went (I can already tell you it will probably be me feeling sad that she integrates so well into my mom’s very spoiled animal kingdom of Squeaky the cat and the hummingbirds).