“It’s times like these you learn to live again
It’s times like these you give and give again
It’s times like these you learn to love again”
Lyrics from “Times Like These” by the Foo Fighters
I awoke on Sunday, January 15th feeling a little restless, but wasn’t sure why. I’d slept well, Samantha was curled up in a blanket-lined basket a few feet from the bed and it was Sunday—a day of doing what I pleased. Why did I feel heavy-hearted? I made coffee, settled into the cozy chair with the organic French Roast in my favorite owl mug and watched the dark predawn sky become light gray through the French windows. It was still lightly raining. Samantha was sprawled out by the small round ottoman on which my feet rested. I chuckled as I watched her watching me. She was so happy, and so at peace.
Then it occurred to me: January 15th was the two-year anniversary of Bobcat’s passing. I mentally time traveled back to that day in 2021, his last day with me, two weeks before my cancer surgery. He was a major source of strength for me during my cancer battle, never leaving my lap, or my side.
Bobcat comforted me and kept me smiling, even laughing during some of the darkest moments. I recall wondering how I was going to manage without him; dreading coming home from the hospital several days after surgery to an empty cottage.
I lit a candle in Bobcat’s honor, said out loud that I loved and missed him, hoping that he could somehow hear me from Heaven then brushed off the heavy feeling as I got on with my morning. As I washed the breakfast dishes, the song “Times Like These” by the Foo Fighters came to mind. The chorus looped through my thoughts while I placed the clean, wet dishes onto the dish-drying rack. Now I needed to hear the song–for real, not just in my head. I asked Alexa to play it and I watched, on YouTube, an emotional Dave Grohl belt it out through tears during the tribute to Taylor Hawkins concert.
Music can bring light to situations. My cancer battle, the loss of Bobcat, although tough and heartbreaking, those times made me learn to live again. Then Samantha Jo came into my life, and I learned to love again, and Samantha gave me reason to give, and give again.
Watch/listen to “Times Like These” sung by Live Lounge Allstars (BBC Radio 1 Stay Home Live Lounge), a moving performance of 24 musicians during the COVID lockdown, which raised funds for various charities.
Good read dear one !!
Thank you, Rachel! xoxo
Love this, Pammie!
Thank you, Robin! xoxo
Awww, Bobcat was a beauty and I know how’d it is to miss a kitty who has gone to the Bridge. Good memories are a comfort indeed. I’m glad Samantha is there to help, too. Many purrs from our kitties.
Leah, thank you! Yes, you can very much relate. Hugs to you all!
Amazing strength!! A very moving post… Thank you for sharing your stories and your light with the world!! 🙂
Awww, thank you, Steve! I’m so happy you enjoy my stories. Cheers to you!
Pamela, my dear ‘cousin’… Sitting here in my cozy rocker, wrapped up in my warm robe ready for bed, I thought I’d check my emails one last time. Huge hugs going your way after reading your touching message….so full of love not only for your beautiful cats but for life, itself. You are such an inspiration and my heart reaches out to you for all you’ve been through, but now you are so victorious and like a Spring garden you are ready to ‘bloom’ again and enjoy a new beginning to the fullest.
Love you Pamela,
Joyce (now residing up here on beautiful Bainbridge Island. Just turned 96 and lovin life)
Dear cousin Joyce, your beautifully written message was so heartwarming for me! I strive to inspire with all that I’ve been through and always hope I’m touching at least one person. Thank you for the love! And wow, 96, YOU are an inspiration. I hope to see you some day… xoxoxo
I remember Bobcat too. He was a love and quite the different cat. Those times are gone and good times are now. Love, Mom
Quite different, LOL, and turned out to be such a love. Thank you for your support! xoxo
Bobcat was such a good kitty and a handsome boy. Sending hugs.
Awww, thank you, Rachel.