Death and New Life

This week-end has been one filled with life and death. Friday my mom called to let me know she had spoken with my dad. This in itself is unusual, my parents divorced when I was around 10 and after I was about 15 as far as I know they have had very little contact.

He had called her to let her know his mother, my grandmother had died. My brother and I have no contact with him so he asked her to let us know. At first I was unsure how to feel; I never really knew her. I have no pictures of her and I do not think that I ever had my picture taken with her. The thought of that saddened me and then the realization that she would never know my kids or see the woman I have become filled me with some regret. Maybe I should have tried to contact her, despite the fact as a child she seemed to care very little about me. The worst part is that I do remember attending church with her one summer when visiting but have no idea if she was saved. She was raised and raised her children to be Episcopal. They do not put an emphasis on salvation. It is hard to think that I never tried to witness to her. Part of me justifies it with the fact for my safety I have to keep my distance from my father but I have allowed my fear of him to keep me from ever knowing my grandmother and worst of all it has kept me from witnessing to her.

Then later that night while talking to my SIL outside I heard a whimpering sound, I went to check it out but found nothing. A few hours later I could still hear it. The sound was coming from the yard next to us which is a vacant house. I went over the fence and found two abandoned kittens cold and wondering around the best they could. We looked around and did not see a momma cat. We took them in, warmed them up and went to Petco to get kitten formula and bottles. By the time we got home about 4 hours had passed. While feeding them we heard more crying and went back out and found two more; they were cold and pitiful looking. The poor little things were so cold and limp-like. We took them in got everyone warmed up and then the not so easy task of feeding them began.

Friday and Saturday they ate almost every two hours, today (Sunday) they are going about 4 hours between meals. They still have their cords and eyes are shut tight but they sure can cry! For the most part after some rooting around, taking the bottle in and out a few times they latch on and suck away. They are going potty fine and gaining weight. One sad note however is that one of the last ones to be found died today after morning church service. He had never really eaten like the others but we still had hope he would make it. The other three seem very healthy and I think they will be fine.


I know the next few weeks will be a lot of work but seeing them fall asleep with full bellies feels good!