An Unexpected Gift | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: An Unexpected Gift | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ken Grant
11/13/18
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She came to us through a set of unique circumstances. My nephew's wife's family was a hot mess and they had got it in their heads to abandon their cat by the side of the road. She had been declawed and would likely have died. My nephew's family rescued the animal, but couldn't keep it and when word came of the need, well, our family inherited a cat name inky.

Our family had owned pets before, but inky was a work in progress. We worried that being declawed would make her a victim and we babied her to start, but she quickly showed a fearlessness that belied her status. Instead of being an inside wallflower, she became a determined pet who spent time both outside and in, investigating her world, and providing our family with hours of amusement.

She had a knack for racing through the house at night, but would eventually end up curled at my feet and I sometimes had quite a time extricating myself from bed as a result. She loved to sit in the window and watch the people go by. Many a young boy or girl would call out 'la vaca', Spanish for cow, since her markings were white with black splotches that did in fact look like the ink from which her name was derived.

When my mom passed away, it was just the two of us, and eventually a move was necessitated. I still recall her sitting inside her carrier, petrified, until we finally arrived at our destination. I have never seen an animal so happy to be on land and I was committed to that being her last move and it was. She spent many happy years, fearlessly exploring her world, overcoming her limitations, and being a true companion.

Inky taught me many powerful lessons. She demonstrated that while others can bring us injury and harm, that we can overcome these wounds and triumph. She reminded me that I do not have to be perfect for God to use me and that bravery is sometimes just waking up every day and being the best version of myself that is possible. She fearlessly investigated her world and I was encouraged to do the same.

There are times in life when we receive something completely unexpected and the appearance of a cat named inky in my life was one of those. I learned much from this unique animal that I carry with me to this day. I believe that God has given us much to help us in our spiritual path and animals are part of what God uses. My spiritual life is richer for having had such a special pet and I miss her greatly to this day.

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