Metal Meredith

My Three Things
From back before I can remember doing so, my mom has made us do the traditional Thanksgiving chore each year. We all would have to take turns around the table while eating to give 3 things that we were thankful for. I remember a lot of pets being named, material possessions being mentioned, and many many boyfriends being deemed “the one”. Even though we did this every year, I still have a hard time coming up with those 3 things.

It certainly isn’t because I don’t have things to be thankful for. Not in the least. I agree that we are all very thankful for our good health, for our good fortunes and family. We are all thankful that we live in a country that lets us be equal, vote and be free. The problems arise at what is a blessing enough to grab those coveted 3 top spots. Those 3 top awards of “most thankful for”. I am giving it a go this year for all to read.

This past year, I was lucky enough to be forced to become a stay at home mom. As I was going through the emotions of being laid off from a job for the first time in my life, I started to realize what a positive thing this was. I have now spent over 6 months at home spending day in and day out with my daughter. I am able to support my husband in his dreams and aspirations. I am able to take time and enjoy days instead of waiting for a weekend or sitting at the door waiting for Phil to come home.

I think, and its about time, that I have finally grown out of my age of disrespect. This past year, I have been able to see people more for who they are. People are more to me now than ‘coffee drinker’, ‘record buyer’ and ‘co-worker’. Strangers are now becoming real people with mood swings, smiles, interesting stories, helpful comments, and a much needed laugh now and then. I have taken to being more patient with someone in a bad mood, knowing that they surely have a reason. I, much to my family’s disbelief, have attempted to get beyond my own judgemental behavior when it comes to the soccer moms and sorority girls. Sure, I am still cynical at times. But if I never was that person again, you all would disown me.

Lastly, I am thankful for who I am, who I am allowed to be, and who I am able to become. I wake up in the morning and stop for a second and really look at myself. New wrinkle? Maybe. New line? Maybe. Gained a pound or two? Probably. It just never gets me down. When I see myself, its through the eyes of my husband and my child. Those two love me without boundaries. I am able each day to be upbeat and positive. I am not going through life self deprecating and sad. I know who I am, what I like and make decisions that reflect my whole self. I am not sure where I am going in life. I have a lot of things to figure out, but I know that I am able to do anything I want. It is my most grateful thing this year, I am finally comfortable with who I am.

I encourage all of you to do the same this year. My mom would really get a kick out of it. Feel free to post in the comments 3 things you are thankful for. Then, email it to your friends and family. Its amazing how reading what someone else is grateful for makes you think of your own. Its like passing on a good vibe.

Also, I can’t thank everyone enough for the comments left about my Griffon. They gave me the comfort that I needed. It was wonderful of some people to share their own stories about their own pets. I can’t thank you enough for the outpouring of support and love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Meredith

March 17, 1991 - November 5, 2004

What can I say? Griffon took up so much space, physically and with his personality, its hard to believe he is gone. I don’t think one person ever entered my home and didn’t immediately gasp at his size. For those of you who were never as lucky, here is his story.

Griffon was a 14 year old tabby. At his largest, he was 24 pounds. He was huge with big ears, a very long, wiry tail and big feet. His backside rose off the floor about 3 inches higher than his front, so he looked like he has a hunchbutt.  He has always slept on his back, back legs spread eagle and front legs tucked up like a T Rex. He was never vain enough to groom himself on a regular basis and he LOVED to poop.

I found Griffon in a pet store in a mall in Maryland. He was 12 weeks old and bigger than most kittens. He was on sale for $29.99. I like to think I saved him from imminent death. He owed me from day one. I liked him best because he was laying on his side with his head resting on his food dish, eating. That’s my kind of animal, too lazy to raise his head even for food.

He had often times been threatened with becoming an instant outdoor cat. His nickname was “The Asshole” in the house. He terrorized the other cats by stalking them or hiding quietly behind corners waiting for them to approach. Then he would pounce and toss them to the ground. There was many a furball picked up in my home from cat attacks.

Griffon had a huge presence, and not just because of this size. He was my greeter, much like Wal-Mart’s. He would come from his resting place just to say hello to anyone entering the house. Few guests escaped my home without a layer of Griffon hair. His meow wasn’t as impressive as his size. His mouth would open, he would exhale and then a small sound would emerge. Its was quite pitiful for such a hefty cat. But it was Griffon.

Phil and I have many a funny story to share about him. One of our favorites was from when we had first started dating. I locked my keys in my car and couldn’t get into the apartment to get my spare. Phil took it upon himself to jump up and crawl through the window. Unfortunately, he surprised Griffon so much that I had to pull him out of the closet. He was so scared, he put up a fight to stay in. After that point, Griffon was frightened of any loud noises. In his old age, he would hide under the bed if it rained. Thunder ruined his whole week.

My favorite memories of Griffon were all the things that drove me nuts when he was here. When I came home with groceries, Griffon would race me to the kitchen. In my tiny 10x10 ft space, Griffon would eat and generally be underfoot while I tried to put away my recent purchases. After, he would pick a bag to get in. Being the size he was, half his butt would hang out. If there were plastic bags, one became an instant resting place for the remainder of the day.

Tonight, after a month long illness, Griffon left his burden of a fat cat body at 7:20pm. He was very peaceful and quiet. If I hadn’t known, I would think he was simply taking another nap. I hung his collar and tag on the front door so he knows where we are in case he wants to come to visit. I am sure where ever he is, there is a great big litter box, a bottomless bowl of food, and someone petting him as he eats.

Thanks buddy, for 13 really cool years. Phil and I are gonna miss the hell out of you.
Love,
Meredith, Phil and Vivienne