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Inside a small
steel gray cage at a pet shop lay a beautiful long-haired white kitten
with large splashes of gray. Someone had brought her some awful green
pellets that she refused to eat. It smelled bad and tasted horrible.
But, even if it had been okay, she didn’t feel like eating anyway.
She was very sad for she didn’t
understand this strange new place. It was a prison that was cold and
unfriendly. Most of all she missed her sisters, brothers and mother.
They had been there beside her just a few days earlier. Where could
they have gone?, she thought. She didn’t know she was the last of her
litter left to be sold and her mother was gone forever. She watched
the many people who came to look at her. One by one her sisters all
were taken away and didn’t come back. Now they were gone and she was
alone.
So, it really did seem like forever
before someone finally came to take her away too. It was really cold
that night and the warmth of a hand woke her up. Little fingers were
poking gently at her. It felt okay, she thought.
"I like this tuddie tat Cal. She is SO
purr-ty", said the little girl.
"She is pretty, isn’t she? Awful skinny
though. Probably misses it’s mother. Poor thing. But, she is awfully
handsome with all that long hair.", he said smiling. "Okay, we’ll take
this one miss."
They waited as the attendant took the cat
out of the cage. The kitty perked up but only for a moment. She
resisted and scratched the attendant as she tried to put she into a
carrier. Obviously she didn't like small enclosed places.
"Ouch!", she screamed, "Jeez. She’s
teething probably. Don’t worry she’ll calm down once you get her
home."
"Yeah. She’s probably really scared and
wondering why’s all this happening to her.", the man said, "Still want
her, right Cindy girl?", he looked at the girl for an answer.
The girl nodded. "What shall we call you,
little tuddie tat?"
"How about Tuddie? You’re already calling
her that and you’ll be around her a lot since I’m marrying your mom in
a few weeks."
"Okay, that’s purrr-fit. I like that. Do
you like it, Tuddie?", the little girl said eagerly. Tuddie just sat
in the cage starring at both of them, looking very unhappy. "Are you
gonna make her do tricks Cal? Make her come out of a hat or somethin .
.?"
"No, honey I just want a little cat to
love. I’m retired from doing hypnotist tricks. You know that. Anyway,
she doesn’t look like she’s up for any tricks at least not today."
"But you promised Cal, for my
births-day!"
"Oh, that’s different. Well, maybe if I
can get Tuddie to sit still long enough I could make her come out of a
hat. She’ll probably want to disappear more though . . . especially
after meeting your cat Gingsy.’, Cal chuckled. Tuddie looked as if she
understood what was being said. Her eyes narrowed like she was very
wary of the whole situation.
"Old Gingsy will like her. I hope so
anyways." Cindy giggled and silently imagined Tuddie saying, "Old
Gingsy doesn’t have a chance with the likes of me. I’ll be taking over
the house."
The ride back to Cindy’s house was a long
one. Tuddie meowed so much Cal stopped and took her out of the
carrier. "I probably shouldn’t do this but you’re so blasted noisy,
little one!" Tuddie jumped into Cindy’s lap and cuddled up as if the
cat had planned doing this all along. Then, all was quiet and both
fell into a contented asleep.
Cal looked over at the sleeping child. He
wasn’t sure if he was ready for playing the father role again at 69.
He already had three grown children and six grandkids. But they were
all so far away and involved in their own busy lives. They had no time
for their dad. But, Cindy never knew her father. He left just after
she was born. So ironic and sad it was, he thought.
Cal pulled into the driveway by Cindy’s
house. "You look so much like little Emily when she was young.", he
said softly, as he picked her up gently to take her into the house. A
tear came to his eye as all the memories flooded back.
The movement woke Cindy up. "We home?"
"Sure are sweetie. I bought Tuddie in
too. She ran into your room first off. Gingsy must have scared her.
She seems to really likes your bed. You want her to sleep there with
you?"
"Oh yes, can she?", pleaded the half
awake child. "She can sleep with me and Teddy. I’m so scared. It’s so
dark in here. Will you sleep with us too?"
"Okay on the cat. If Gingsy has seen her,
then it’s probably better she stay in here. But, I’m tired honey. I’ll
be on the couch. Your mom’s not coming back until Friday so you’re
stuck with me for another two days. But we can leave the nitelight on.
Is that all okay with you?"
"Oh yeah, I guess it’s okay. You’re great
Cal. Thanks. You’re gonna be my daddy. You’re not like other daddies.
Well, I don’t know much about that." Cindy paused, almost tearful.
"But, you’re really fun and tell me jokes and stories too. And, I want
a daddy. I never had one." Tears filled her eyes now. "Hey, can you
tell me a story anyway?"
"Ha! Thanks. You’re fun too kid and I do
want to be your dad. Yeah, I’ll tell you a story. Then bed, right?"
"Yeah!", Cindy was now wide awake and
ready.
"Well, what kind of story do you want
tonight? Cinderella and the dashing prince charming? Or Puss and Boots
. . . maybe Beauty and the Beast?"
"Tell me about how you worked with all
the famous hypnotists."
"Oh my, you don’t want to hear that
again, do you? I worked on so many stages with the most famous but
never made it big myself. Makes me kind of sad now that I’m retiring.
Don’t really feel like talking about it right now. Is that okay?"
"Yeah, okay. So tell me that story you
told before . . . about the orphan prince who came to America and got
to be famous as an artist."
"Oh jeez! Why that one?", said Cal, a bit
concerned.
"Because I’m an orphan too . . . sort of
cause I’ve got no dad and mommy’s always working. I like how he was
once a prince and all too . .. then he gets happy. I want to be happy
like that" Cindy looked down and was quiet for a second. It was
obvious that there was something else she wanted to say. "Tuddie’s an
orphan too, isn’t she?"
"Yes, they said her mom’s just up and
left . . . vanished."
"So, where’d her mommy go? Hey, anyway, .
. . Cal, . . . uh um . . . where’d my daddy go? Where did the prince’s
parents go? I want to know, please? Tell me the story of where people
go when they die. They all died, right? No one will tell me. The
teacher at school wouldn’t say and said I should ask my mom."
"Ah. . . umm. Well, yes, sweetheart, they
did all die." Cal said, a bit uneasy about the subject matter. "Tuddie’s
mommy they’re not so sure about because she left her kittens after
only a few weeks and never came back. Cats don’t do that sort of
thing. They stay with their litter until they are ready to be on their
own. But, I guess they’re all in heaven and Tuddie’s mom in kitty cat
heaven."
"Well, I’m going to be her new mommy.
I’ll take care of her. Hey, I’ve heard people say there ain’t no
heaven. Are they right?"
"I’ve never been there, of course, but I
am a hypnotist and some people say they’d seen heaven when they are
hypnotized. Also, they can recall what they’ve seen before they are
about to die and then don’t die for some reason. Near death
experiences, they call um. Yes, I’ve hypnotized quite a few of these
people. They say it’s a beautiful place, at least what they could see
of it. I’ve even hypnotized people who believe they see other lives
they have lived before this one. If they are really seeing into other
lives they have actually lived, then obviously, death isn’t such a bad
thing, is it? It is just a transition to another place, another plan
of existence as some call it. It’s a place where people get to think
about what they did in their current life and where they need to go
next to become a better person."
"Cats I don’t know so much about.",
continued Cal, "They are considered ‘familiar’ spirits and come to
certain people over and over again in different lives. They aren’t
good or bad as such. They take on the personality of the person they
are with, mostly and become very attached to them." Cal looked at the
expression on Cindy’s face of extreme interest. "Well you better get
some sleep young lady or your mom will be mad at me." It was an
attempt to change the subject, for sure.
"No, don’t stop now. How did my dad die?
And, the prince’s parents? He’s a real person, isn’t he?", asked Cindy
with much anticipation.
"Uhh. Well, yes, the prince was a real
person. I met him when I was in the city. He said his father and
mother were thrown into prison by government people who did not want
him on the throne. Then they were put to death. In fact, he believes
he is heir to the crown and to a fortune, neither of which he can ever
claim. It is a very sad tale indeed."
"And, my dad? How about my dad?", begged
Cindy.
"Well, . . . ", He paused again, catching
his breath. "Your father died in the gulf war. He won an award because
he died while trying to protect some other men so that the enemy would
not know they was there. Funny because he didn’t believe in war. He
didn’t want to shoot anyone because he believed it wasn’t right. Nor
do I Cindy. I hate war and everything about it. And, Cindy I have to
tell you something else that might surprise you. I knew your father
and I loved him. He was a wonderful man who really cared about other
people. He loved you and your mother very much." Cal paused for
another second. "I was one of the men he was trying to protect.",
tears welled in Cal eyes.
"Thanks for telling me about dad, Cally.
No one else would. You’re my daddy now though. I never knew him. I am
like him, right? And, he’s in heaven now. He is, isn’t he?"
"Well, don’t be mad at your mom. I know
she would have told you eventually. We talked about it many times. She
just wasn’t sure you were ready." Cal’s voice became light and more
cheerful, "And, yes, you’re very much like him. Wanted to know IT ALL
just like you, pumpkin!! He even wanted me to teach him how to be a
hypnotist. A darn good student too. Ha! Yes, he’s a spirit in heaven
right now. In fact," Cal paused, not knowing if he should go on, "I
have seen him here with you sometimes. He likes to watch you sleep."
"You can see him?", she asked in
amazement. Cal nodded in agreement to her. "Oh, you’re just saying
that.", she retorted.
"Okay, let’s test it then. Just think of
a favorite smell you’ve always enjoyed, no don’t tell me, just think
of it, wait a few seconds now . . . okay breathe in. Do you smell it?"
"Yeah, I do. How’d you do that?", laughed
Cindy.
"Well, I didn’t do it. I’m a hypnotist
and magician but I’m not that good. It was your dad. He was standing
on your left side just now and he was smiling."
"Can you ask him to do something else?",
asked Cindy, again very much amazed and excited.
"Yes, YOU can? Close your eyes and ask
him to do something simple to show he’s here. Then just wait and see
what happens."
A few seconds later a small stuffed
animal fell from Cindy’s bureau.
"Wow. That was neat. He’s really here,
isn’t he? Though I can’t touch him or see him. I wish I could.", Cindy
felt so sad. "What good is it to know he’s there when I’ve never even
known him?"
"Your dad loves you even though he does
understand that you can’t really appreciate that love. Someday you’ll
realize how much his love surrounds you and protects you. Other people
don’t have that. You’ll see how much it makes a difference in the way
you view life. When you feel loved, the whole world is different."
"Yeah, someday maybe I can help bring
love to other people who’ve never felt loved. That would be a good
thing, wouldn’t it?"
"Yes, a VERY good thing, my dear. But,
now it is time for bed, young lady!!"
Cindy sighed and gave in, "Okay, okay."
She paused and spoke softly, "Hey, would you come back and visit me if
you were to die and you could do it?"
"Oh, heavens. Yes, of course, I’d come
back to visit you. Tell you what . . . I’d bring you the smell of
lavender whenever I’m near. Just think of me and I’ll be there. I’ll
do that. I promise you. Don’t forget now."
Tuddie was already asleep and settled in
for the night. Cal petted her and she purred. His touch was light but
she still woke. She looked up at Cal like she knew what he was
thinking. "Boy, you’re a strange one, girl.", Cal whispered. "If I
didn’t know better, I’d say you knew exactly what was said tonight.
Well, you’re a perfect match for my little Cindy and that’s all that
matters. You have a home forever or for as long as you want it. You
hear?" Tuddie let out a very soft meow and her body hummed under Cal
hand as he touched her. "Very strange you are indeed, little one." Cal
left the room. He knew that Gingsy wasn’t a very friendly cat and
never even came in Cindy’s room. So Tuddie was a perfect companion for
Cindy. All was good . . . at least for the moment.
Weeks went by and so did the wedding and
the adoption that made Cal Cindy’s real adopted father. Cindy was
really proud of her new dad. She especially loved all the school
father and daughter functions she could be able to take and show off
her new father, the not so famous hypnotist.
And, soon it was Cindy’s birthday party
time. Cal was true to his word and, although he didn’t have a lot of
money, he still came in the prettiest new clown costume he could rent
for the occasion. He did all his usual tricks plus a whole lot more.
Well, he used to work as a stage hypnotist so he figured he owed his
new little daughter one really great birthday party. He even dressed
up Tuddie in a cute little clown costume too, pulled her out of the
hat, made her disappear and then reappear. Tuddie performed like a
true showcat. Then, Cal hypnotized some of the kids and made them do
funny things. Cal was glad to see Cindy laughing nonstop at his
antics.
Cal and Cindy laughed at Tuddie who
refused to jump through a hoop. Cal picked her up and put her in just
the right position so she’d jump. She did of course. Ginsy, just
looked on in disgust. They tried to make her but she wasn’t going to
jump through any hoops. She’d adjusted okay to having another cat in
the house but it was obvious she didn’t like her competition for
affection.
It was all good fun but then something
happened. The fun came to an abrupt halt. Cal let out a scream. His
new wife Joan called for an ambulance and he was rushed to the
hospital. It all happened so fast. In less than two hours Cal was
gone. He died from too much fluid flooding his lungs.
Joan stood holding her still husband’s
hand, wondered how she would ever explain to Cindy that she had lost
another father. She couldn’t even believe it herself. It had only been
a few weeks since their honeymoon. But, she didn’t have to wait to
tell Cindy. Cindy was standing behind her with Tuddie in her arms. She
had wandered in when the nurses weren’t looking . . .she was tired of
waiting so long.
"How’s daddy?", Cindy’s question woke her
mother from her trance state.
"Cindy? He’s okay." Joan paused realizing
she had just told the biggest lie in her whole life and to her only
daughter, "No, no . . . he’s not okay Cindy. He is gone like your
father is gone."
"No, he’s not gone.", said Cindy in a
calm monotone.
"Yes, he is honey. Please don’t say that.
I’m sorry but he’s gone forever from both of us.", Joan felt the tears
roll down her cheeks . . . the tears she could no longer hold back.
"No, he’s NOT gone, mom. He just went
somewhere else, that’s all. Don’t you smell the lavender? It’s so
sweet. He told me that if he died and I smelled lavender, it was
because he was there with me. He’s not gone!", Cindy’s tone was still
very calm and reassuring.
The smell of lavender was strong. There
was no question about it. Even at the funeral and at the grave, it was
strong and not a lavender flower was in sight anywhere. No one could
figure it out. The minister called it miraculous. But Cindy knew
different . . .
It was her dad. How proud she was of him
keeping his promise. He proved to her that life didn’t end with death.
It went on even after the body had ceased to exist. It was sad to lose
her father but it was also joyous for her to know that life continues
on and that, in reality, she never really lost him.
Ten years later Cindy could still smell
the scent of lavender all around her whenever she thought of her
stepfather. She was in high school now and Tuddie was still her cat.
And, Cal’s, of course, because he seemed constantly around both of
them. She often laughed thinking that Tuddie had to be the familiar
spirit that belonged to her stepdad and now to her. She knew also that
Tuddie was a very special cat. If it hadn’t been for Tuddie, a certain
special conversation with Cal would never have taken place. It was a
conversation she’d never forget. It didn’t matter that she had been so
young. Some things one never forgets and this was one of those things
for Cindy.
She now knew what her stepfather had
meant in their talk about life and death so many years earlier. Yes,
so many years ago and yet . . . she could feel the warm of love from
both her father and stepfather always with her. And, someday she knew
she’d make it her life’s work to bring love into the lives of those
who had never known it. This she felt with much conviction. It was a
promise she made to her stepfather every time he came to visit. And,
sometimes, she could have sworn she saw him standing there laughing
and talking to her . . . just like he always had.
And, Tuddie? Well, she was special. She
knew exactly when to cuddle and comfort Cindy when she was sad. It was
like Tuddie could read her thoughts and feelings. It was a strange but
wonderful thing for Cindy. She also knew her stepfather was there, not
just because of the lavender smell. Tuddie often showed her like she
had been instructed by someone! Many times Tuddie jumped up on a shelf
and knocked her stepfather’s diary into her hands for her to read. It
was her favorite of all books. She was so glad her stepfather had
taken the time to write in it. He had given it to her on that last
birthday of hers they had spent together. Some day maybe she’d publish
it too.
All very unusual? Could this really
happen? Definitely! . . . is the answer to both questions because it
really did! The real Cal lived a very charmed life and all those
touched by him were truly blessed. He knew that life is a continuous
circle that never ends. Even this story doesn’t really end. For this
was just the beginning of a journey for all the many Cindys in
existence and of Cal’s lasting affect upon the world.
Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the
end)
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