That Darn Cat - Truths That Have Shaped My Life Part 3

Cats. I am not a big fan of the feline species. I am more of a dog lover. However, one of the greatest truths I ever learned was because of my best friend's cat, Fluffy..

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The year was 1981. It was a typical summer day. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing, birds were filling the air with the melodies of their song, and Tracy I and were bored. I’m sorry, I haven’t introduced you to Tracy. Tracy is my best friend. He is my brother from another mother. There was nothing I enjoyed better than hanging out with my bud.

Unfortunately, the sentiment wasn’t shared by many others. Now don’t get me wrong. We weren’t bad kids. Let’s just say we had misguided energy.

We had spent most of the day riding bikes, climbing trees and doing anything that would keep us from being inside. Deciding to take a break from our activities we rested underneath the shade of an oak tree.

For a while we sat in silence. Then Tracy spoke. “Hey, Sambo, have you ever baptized a cat?”

“Um, let me think. No, I haven’t”

“Do you want to?”

“Sure. What cat are we baptizing?”

With a grin the size of Texas plastered across his face,he gleefully made the announcement, “We are going to baptize Fluffy.”

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We hurriedly began to make preparations.Tracy started filling the bathtub with water. In the meantime I went to find Fluffy, The bundle of fur was lying on the couch fast asleep.She looked so peaceful. Little did she know she was about to have a spiritual moment.

Grabbing the Fluffster I headed toward our make shift baptistery.Once the tub was filled with an adequate amount of water it was time for the next step. We needed to decide who was actually going to baptize this creature.After much debate it was finally decided I would do the honors.

Since I would play the part of the minister Tracy was responsible for the music. He began to hum Amazing Grace. I recently witnessed a baptism at church. I would do exactly what the preacher had done Even though this was my first baptismal I proceeded with much confidence. Trying to sound reverent and holy and with my best preacher’s voice I began.

“Fluffy, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy… crap! .”

About that time Fluffy hit the water. What followed was not a pretty sight. It was a scene straight from the book of Revelation. There was weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. The sweet adorable cat I was holding a few moments before was acting like a demon who had been doused with holy water.

When Fluffy hit the water she let out a scream that would have sent chills down the back of Hannibal Lecter. Fearing for her life she leaped out of the tub and onto my chest, digging her claws deep into my tender flesh. At this point it dawned on me. Baptizing a cat is not a good idea.

The good news is, we all survived. Tracy and I have grown into mature, responsible men. Fluffy died of old age. But I never forgot the important lesson she taught me.

Fluffy showed me the importance of individuality. Just because other animals may enjoy the water didn't mean she did. Fluffy was quite content to spend her day lounging on the couch being lazy and fat. She was not asking us to change her. She only wanted us to love her. And as I found out, she refused to be something she was not.