MacGregor to the rescue.....

Several years ago my mom was very sick and constantly in the hospital; since I am an only child I had to take care of my dad and his needs plus mom and her illness. Dad felt bad that he couldn't help, but he had given up driving several years prior and relied on mom to take them everywhere. At the time I had a full time job, was president of my quilt guild and had a home to keep clean; my husband helped when he could but his work took a lot of time. Needless to say I was pulled in every direction and thought life couldn't get much more hectic! When I came home I was always greeted by J.J., my cat of 18 years; what more can I say, he was my buddy. He always knew when I needed a nudge and a rough lick on my nose; he could always get me smiling and feeling better! My mom passed away a few years ago, a couple of weeks after Christmas and then J.J. had to be put to sleep two weeks later, he lasted long enough to help me through my mom's passing. I felt nothing could ever replace J.J., but my husband felt I should look for another cat (he does know what he is talking about.....sometimes, LOL). I went to different animal shelters but could not bring myself to replace J.J., just wouldn't be the same. A few months later there was a cat show and I asked my husband if we could go and just see (as in, I think I am ready) what cats might be for sale. The cat show was large and believe it or not, there was only ONE kitten in the whole show for sale, and it was a Scottish Fold, the breed of cat I had always wanted! He was four months old and was very different from J.J.; he knew he was special and was probably not sure if he wanted me for a mom. He had no choice, he came home with us and we adapted to him, LOL. I named him MacGregor, he is Scottish after all. At times my husband changes his name to pain-in-the-ass, but I have see him scratch Mac's head when he thinks I am not looking. Mac definatly has an attitude and a personality! I have taught Mac to sit and give me a high five; in return he expects me to feed him at 3:30 in the morning seven days a week, who has who trained? Mac is now my buddy, we understand each other; he came to my rescue several years ago and when his time comes I know I will never be able to replace him. But, another cat will come along and maybe not replace, but fill the gap just as well.