This Week Was Tough...

This Week Was Tough...

This week was tough.

Last Wednesday morning, while I was out in the garden preparing for the day ahead, I received a phone call from a lovely neighbour. With kindness in their voice, they told me they had found my little black cat on the road.

In that moment, everything stopped.

It was early morning, and as someone who is self-employed, life didn't pause. I still had classes to teach, people depending on me, and a day that needed to continue. I tried to keep going, but my mind was in a whirlwind.

I had to tell the Kids.

I had to collect her little body.

My little buddy... my Noodle.

Noodle followed me everywhere. She was the most vocal little cat. No matter where she was, she always made sure you knew she was there. She had a big personality packed into a tiny body.

One of her funny habits was walking right in front of me whenever I was rushing around. At the time, I would laugh, gently step around her, or wonder why she always chose that exact moment to slow me down.

Now, looking back, I wonder if she was teaching me something all along.

Slow down.

Take it all in.

Be present.

We spend so much of our lives hurrying to the next task, the next appointment, the next thing on our endless to-do list. Yet life has a way of reminding us—sometimes gently, and sometimes painfully—that this moment is all we truly have.

This week has reminded me how deeply we can love the animals who share our lives. They ask for so little, yet give us unconditional companionship, comfort, and joy. Their paw prints stay with us long after they are gone.

My heart is broken, and I know grief takes time. But I'm also incredibly grateful.

Grateful for every morning she greeted me.

Grateful for every loud meow.

Grateful for every time she made me stop, smile, and slow down.

Thank you, Noodle, for choosing our family.

Thank you for your love.

And thank you for the beautiful reminder to slow down, breathe deeply, and cherish the ordinary moments—because one day they become the memories we hold closest to our hearts.

Rest peacefully, my beautiful little shadow. You will always be loved, and you will never be forgotten.