Communication

Love does no consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

These early teen years are enough to try the patience of a saint. I know that if I can get past the backtalk, grunts, and rolling eyes, I will find my sweet little children who were here recently. But these moments pass, and I'm so grateful for all the good moods we do share. I have found an unexpected ally in the war for civility. Her blank expression hides the fact that she is in charge of everyone in the house.

I had no idea the power kittens could have over all of us. We have a common object of affection, and a common target to yell at when she's naughty. We laugh together at the sheer silliness of kitten playtime. We share the tasks of cleaning the catbox and feeding the cats without complaint.

Our old cats were wonderful and held great significance to me, but I think the timing has just been perfect to have these new pets in our lives. That tiny silly face belongs to a mighty warrior who has brought down some barriers between the generations. I am so grateful.