Chelsea

My best friend Sinead likes to say that the universe puts you where you need to be. I’m not 100% sure I believe that, but 11 years ago tonight, I was right where I needed to be. It was the Saturday night of a long weekend, and I was home. I wasn’t traveling for work, I wasn’t cocktailing on a patio with friends. I was home, hadn’t had any drinks, and I wasn’t in my pjs yet when my beloved cat Chelsea had a stroke. I found her on the bedroom floor, her back legs paralyzed. I was home, and sober, and able to get her to the emergency vet, where sadly, there was no option but to put her down. But I was able to hold her and give her kisses, and she wasn’t alone when she died. She was in her momma’s embrace, which was the last thing I could offer her. She was a troubled little soul and didn’t have the easiest life, but I hope in her final moments, she knew that she was loved. Chelsea has been on my mind today, friends. I still miss her everyday. Hold close your loved ones, be they human or fur babies. Our time together is precious.