Kindred Spirits

                Benny and I are of different generations. He was born 13 years ago and I was born 79, well, 79 plus, yet when we're together we seem to be on the same wave length! He loves his snacks and so do I. If I'm keeping him company when the family is away we sit in the den and I go to the same seat on the couch that he likes, the corner seat in front of the window. We both hate lightning storms. When the thunder roars and cracks  right above our heads Benny shakes like a leaf and I can't comfort  him because I am scared too! But to me the funniest thing of all is when the afternoon sun comes into a room, any room, whatever spot it hits is where I have to be...and he does too! So we crowd into that space together, and when the sun moves... we move. Wherever it is, he and I together, like in the kitchen, he will lay on the floor, I will pull up a chair....by the way, Benny is my granddog.

It's amazing to me what kindred spirits we are, not because we are different species but because of  the difference in our ages, "There is no generation gap between Benny and I,"  I boast, proud of myself that I am considered to be 'cool' by the younger generations unlike other seniors my age. But then one person, a friend... (friend??) decided to burst my bubble, "You're not of different generations," she said, "Benny is 12, but in dog years he's in his early 80's, the same age as you!" That was mean, wasn't it?

But what about me with cats? 

A year or so ago, a neighbor asked me if I could look in on Ozzie, her cat, while they go away for 2 days. "Sure," I said without hesitation (ie: without thinking). 

It was certainly easy enough to do, fill his water bowl and his food bowl and tend to his litter box and, this was important, stay and keep him company for awhile. The first day he kept his distance, eyeing me from the other end of the room. The word' suspicious' popped into my head. Yes, that was it, hmmm, did he know something about me that I didn't know? But I did do a little talking to him as I would with any household pet. 

The following day it was different, now he stood closer to me and looked up at me with his green eyes. " So, how are you today?" I asked him in my friendliest tone, and he answered, "Meow," but I learned soon enough  that being friendly with him was a bad idea. He misconstrued the signals because the next thing he did was climb up on me on my side!

"Hey!" I shouted, pushing him, "get off me. I'm not a tree!" He jumped off and ran out of the room. Was he trembling, I know I was. "I'm not your Grandma either," I called after him. I would have liked to go home right then but I had promised Sandy that I'd stay for awhile. So as I filled his water and food bowls, I did it while I making sure he didn't come near me. Sandy and her family would be back tonight and I didn't plan to tell her about it, but I would not cat sit again. 

"Well Ozzie, I'm leaving. It didn't work out between us, but don't take it personally... it's not you, it's me," I said and waved goodbye.

What a world! There are dogs, horses, and beautiful birds; then there are cats,and then there are bats snakes and crocodiles. I know that God made all the creatures, but does it mean that I have to love them all? 

                                      THE END

My Intensity

                                    MY INTENSITY

The Graduation ceremony was over. As Debbie and I waited for Natalie in the

auditorium I was still dabbing at my eyes, "She's so grown up!" I blubbered. "It

wasn't that long ago she was starting first grade, and soon she'll be entering high

school."

"I know Ma," said Debbie, "She looked wonderful, didn't she?"

"Ah, here she comes." I went forward for my hug, "Sweetheart," I said, tearing

up again, "great graduation! Did you see us when you went up for your diploma?

I was waving to you..."

Debbie rolled her eyes, "Hon, I tried to stop her..." 

"I did see you Grandma," said Natalie, laughing, " but I couldn't wave back."

We walked onto the parking lot; "There's my car. I'll meet you there." I said.

A few minutes later I got to the Diner and Debbie and Natalie pulled in right

behind me. Inside I saw the table I wanted near the window overlooking the

garden. I motioned to Debbie, "That one," I pointed.

"Okay" she said, putting her hands up. I walked over to it quickly and pulled

out the corner chair that was facing the window. It occurred to me that Debbie

liked the seat facing out also, and I did feel selfish about it. But the feeling was

brief, I cannot, cannot face the wall! 

"Where's your sweater?" I asked Natalie, as we settled in.

She shook her head, " Too warm today" she answered.

"But the AC" I said, hearing the tension in my own voice.

"It's okay Grandma, I'm not cold."

I shook my head," But you should always..."

"Drop it Ma, she's fine!" said Debbie, picking up the menu. " Let's order." 

The waiter came over," What would you like young lady?" Natalie didn't

answer. I looked up, Debbie didn't answer either. He was looking at me!

" 'Young lady'?" I repeated, staring back at him and thinking, if looks could

kill. "Cute," I said through gritted teeth.

"Ma," Debbie laughed, "he's just being nice..."

"I may be old but I'm not stupid" I mumbled under my breath. "This 'young

lady' will have the Greek Salad" I said without looking at him.

As we had our meal Natalie filled me in about her plans; she'll be going to

summer camp where she'll be an aide to a counselor for younger children.

As she spoke I welled up again and smiled at Debbie, who looked as proud.

"Grandma is very emotional..." Debbie explained, "intense. You must have

been something as a teenager, Ma, especially during those pre-menstrual times!"

"Yes, I remember, and then when that was over came the pre-menopausal phase,

not much fun either," I said

"And now" asked Debbie.

"Now? Nothing, but I do feel things deeply. Anything wrong with that?!"

"Well, no. Are all your friends like you? You're that way with everything,

even weather...."

"Whether what?" I said.

"No, weather, y'know rain,snow, sun...Grandma is a 'pluviophile'," said

Debbie. We both looked puzzled.

"Hmm" said Natalie," 'phile', lover of... what are you a 'lover of' Grandma?"

"Oh, lots of things. Where should I start...my first cup of coffee in the morning,

an ice cream cone with chocolate sprinkles..."

" A 'pluviophile is a lover of rain!" said Debbie.

"Yes, that too! I like the way it sounds as it hits the window, the way it smells,

especially on new spring grass... Remember" my voice trembled, "without rain

there is no life! Thing is though, I don't like cloudy skies, I need sunshine badly."

"Now if it  could only rain and be sunny at the same time!" said Natalie. We all

laughed, "Any ideas Grandma?" 

"Well, with all the high tech brain power you ...uh, 'millennials' have,..."

They stared at me wide-eyed. "Yes! I know that word! So how about it

a 21st century rain dance!" 

When we were done and got up to leave Natalie hugged me, "Thanks for

coming to my graduation Grandma."

"Yeah Ma, thanks." said Debbie. "So, are you going straight home?"

I nodded, and her next words to me were the exact ones that I have said

to her thousands of times before; "Call me when you get there."

I felt the emotion rising, my face redden.

Debbie stared at me, "What now" asked Debbie.

I couldn't speak. Are the tables turning, I thought and then I decided, I liked it!

                                                              THE  END