Hi friends, happy Friday! We'll we are on day 452 of Lynnette being on vacation. Ok that might be an exaggeration, but we sure miss her around here! LOL. Things have been going well around here, so that's good. We do have some updates, so let's jump into them, shall we?
For Humane Ohio we sent up 6 kitties. So far, they are Karl, Millie, Nalu, Servalan, Buckeye and Puddin. They all did just wonderful!
We did also lose one of our sweet girls, Cecilia. She passed on Sunday, August 6th. She was surrounded by Debbie and me and told how very much she was loved. While we are so sad to have lost our sweet girl, we are so grateful for the short time we were together. She was so loved, comfy and warm, and that's all we can hope for.
I was also remiss in my blogs in letting you know of two other passings we had. The first was our Asha-Bo-Basha. Our very sweet girl developed Acute Kidney Failure and passed very quickly on May 12th, 2023. I'm so grateful that she was with us so long. She was a beautiful and loving girl.
The next was our Hensley boy. Wow was he special. Our Hensley was also in Kidney Failure, and while we thought we had more time with our boy, we didn't. He passed June 6th, 2023 and is terribly missed.
We've sure seen some highs and lows these last few months. And it's been hard. But this is the life of rescue, and it is not always easy, but it is rewarding.
Which leads me to the next post I wanted to share. This is from a kind viewer named Sebastien in Canada. Sebastien works in palliative care and often shows our live stream to patients who enjoy the kitties. Here is what he wrote:
"A Feline Haven of Love: A Tale of Connection in Palliative Care
In the midst of life's hardships and challenges, there exists a haven where compassion and warmth flow
ceaselessly. A place where souls find solace and hearts are mended, where the healing power of love
transcends all boundaries. This place is a hospice, where dedicated palliative nurses like myself strive to
bring comfort to those journeying through their final days.
As I walk the halls of our hospice, I am humbled by the resilience of the human spirit, even in its most
fragile state. Many of our patients are non-responsive, lost in a realm between two worlds. Yet, in the
silent echoes of their past, I endeavor to discover the essence of who they were before illness claimed
them.
One day, a beautiful realization dawned upon me. When families would mention that their loved ones
were once ardent cat enthusiasts, I knew just the way to kindle a spark of connection amidst the heavy
clouds of their reality.
Enter Friends of Feline Rescue Center (FFRC), a magical world accessible through the screen, offering a
live-cam into the lives of feline wonders. This cat shelter, known for its loving care of disabled and sick
cats, exudes a profound similarity to the hospice setting. As I watch these precious furballs on the
screen, I can't help but notice the beautiful parallels they share with my dear patients.
Just like the patients in our care, the cats at FFRC are warriors, bravely battling through their own
challenges. Some have experienced a harsh fate, facing life with disabilities, illnesses, or old age. But
within the confines of their sanctuary, they find a home where they are cherished and respected for
their uniqueness.
The feline friends at FFRC and our patients both teach us the incredible power of compassion and the
boundless capacity to love. They show us that life's journey, however difficult, can be filled with hope,
joy, and moments of shared warmth.
When I place the live-cam of FFRC on the television for my patients and their families, I witness magic
unfold. Eyes that once seemed distant light up with a glimmer of recognition. Families smile as they
remember stories of their loved ones; affinity for cats. In those precious moments, we bridge the gap
between past and present, connecting with the essence of their being.
The live-cam becomes a window to a world beyond the confines of the hospice walls, where cats and
humans alike are bound by a thread of understanding and empathy. The healing energy of these feline
companions emanates through the screen, gently touching the hearts of our patients, families, and even
the nurses who walk this journey with them.
In the quiet stillness of our hospice, the tender presence of the FFRC cats brings an ethereal symphony
of love that transcends words. It reminds us that no matter the circumstances, there is always room for
connection, compassion, and the power of shared memories.
As I bear witness to the profound impact of this simple act, I am filled with gratitude for the Friends of
Feline Rescue Center and their furry ambassadors of hope. To the resilient souls in our care and the
brave felines of FFRC, your presence touches our lives in ways that words cannot describe.
In this beautiful tapestry of existence, we find comfort in the knowledge that love, in all its forms,
endures." - Sebastien in Canada, 2023.
Thank you all for the love and support always given to our rescue, our kitties, our staff and volunteers, and myself. I will never be able to say enough how much you all mean to us. In friendship and gratitude ~ Megan and the Cats
P.S. Massive thank you to our financial donors and box senders! We are so grateful to you all!
8/8/23