For the past week I have had the honor, and I mean honor, to take care of a little black and gray tabby cat named Lexi. As you can see from her photo, she has pretty green eyes and a sweet look. Lexi does not belong to me and yet even after a few days I found I was growing quite attached to her. She follows me all around the house and even goes up and down the stairs multiple times as I do various chores. One thing I love is the pitter patter of her paws on the steps. Lexi knows when I am tired and it is time to go to bed, or when I am a bit grumpy and could use some cheering up. It is like I have a new best friend.

I had hesitated to take Lexi to my home when I first met her because she was sick with diarrhea and her fur felt almost greasy. But after noticing her protruding ribs and sad eyes, a part of me knew she needed more than a just a drop-in feeding and medicine dosage while her owners were on vacation. So I got permission to bring Lexi to my house. Some attention and a friendly voice seem to be working their magic on this precious animal. The diarrhea is going away, she has put on some weight, and her fur feels like it should. I don’t think I am imagining it, her eyes also seem brighter and happier.

When Lexi’s owner comes to pick her up I am sure it will be a bittersweet moment for me. I know I will miss this little cat which unexpectedly came into my world. And I realize that life often provides us with so many chances to widen our circles. Here was my chance. What is yours? I could have not brought Lexi into my home, but by doing so I feel so much richer. She probably gave me much more than I feel I gave her, and she truly touched my heart.