25.8.09

Noll on Tiggy's Strange Affliction

While My Own was in Maine visiting her brother, my poor brother Tiggy had a mysterious affliction.  His listlessness started the day before she left.  Thinking it might be urine crystals, for which he had an operation several years ago that culminated in the removal of his male plumbing, she put the vet's name on the whiteboard.

For most of the week, he drank and ate very little.  He moped and slept.  Not moving much.  Midweek, Grandma administered eye droppers of cod liver oil with vitamins. It helped some; but on the day she was to return, he was, by all appearances, drifting away.  Then, her flight was canceled. 

A day is 24 hours. But sometimes, a day's length can stretch and grow beyond its set hours.  When hurrying home is desired but simply unattainable only prayers can reach the destination before the self. 

Prayers.  Prayers by the lake. Prayers in the airport. Prayers said at 35,000 feet....

And, finally home. Luggage dropped at the door. 

The magical way she calls our names. His name.  The orange M on Tiggy's forehead appeared to smile.  

Tiggy lost a couple of pounds.  His backfat is gone.  His jumps are a little short of the mark.  But whatever the affliction, it left shortly upon her return.

He is a "Momma's Boy" afterall.