Bill handed me a piece of paper at breakfast yesterday. I decided to share his words with you.
Jellica passed away quietly last Monday night.
She stopped eating on the weekend and slept in her favorite chair
until she was too weak to move.
until she was too weak to move.
She had a rough start in life.
When our son Theo picked her out of the crowd at the Dublin shelter,
she was already street-smart, independent and determined not to be threatened by anyone anymore.
She was also a doting mother and we did not believe in separating children from their mom.
We still don't.
We brought her daughter home with us too.
Theo named the mother Jellica and the baby Tangier.
They took up residence here and Jellica methodically examined
and explored every nook and cranny.
and explored every nook and cranny.
She was naturally curious,
but she had also learned to plan possible exits in case of emergency.
but she had also learned to plan possible exits in case of emergency.
Though she was playful and loved to be scratched,
it took another ten years before Jellie purred.
it took another ten years before Jellie purred.
She was a constant presence in Martha's studio;
helpfully kibitzing on (or in) every project.
She accepted our love and maintained her dignity right to her quiet end.
Her absence has left a sad void.
She is now at rest outside the family room, next to the fountain and under
a camillia bush.
Rest in peace, Jellica
2000-2018
From this short essay, I think you can see what a kind heart Bill has. He reminds me that not all men are bullies or braggarts or unable to see how their actions can affect other people. In an article in YES! magazine, Chris Winter proposed "Men, We Can Do Better."
I know you know men who are like my husband.
They are better than what we see on TV.
All photos by Bill Slavin
If you would be interested in having an essay you wrote published in Postcards in the Air, please let me know either by leaving a comment in the Comments section here or by email at marthaslavin@gmail.com
What heart warming writing! What a change from the bullying that we have all experienced during the pass week. Thanks for including Chris Winters article. I have passed it along to many friends.
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific photo essay of not only a beloved pet but a very loving man! Bill's compassion and appreciation for the gentle parts of life really come through in these photos. Thanks for the much needed boost!
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