Gratituesday 9.16.25 - Learning to Say Goodbye

When I adopted Lincoln in 1998 and Maximillian in 2003 they were both 8 weeks old. They grew up with me and I was able to train them. After I said farewell to Maxie last August at 21 years old I knew I was not ready to adopt. So I decided to foster. I reached out Animal Care Centers and took their foster orientation. I looked to see what cats were available in Manhattan and saw Bendito. With the process of fostering, you don’t get to meet the cat ahead of time. So I went to pick Bendito up at the shelter and hoped for the best. Thankfully I got a good one. Bendito was super friendly and sociable. He was listed as an intermediate level foster at 5 years old, but I thought he was ready to be adopted right away. He did scratch my nice furniture and occasionally jumped on the dining table. However the shelters are full, so I didn’t think he would be adopted and I would have a “foster fail” on my hands. However, last week, I got a message from the shelter that someone was interested and she came to take him home a few days later. Did I feel regret - you betcha! However I knew in heart that I was doing the right thing.

I was doing the hard thing - which was saying goodbye. Then I needed to figure out the next steps. There was definitely some pouting and then I applied to foster for another local organization, and said ‘no’ to a more challenging cat with ACC. However late last week, I said yes to another potentially challenging cat and picked her up on Saturday morning. Welcome home, Diomita! My first female kitty!

Diomita is 2 years old and apparently had scratching issues with a trial adopter and definitely has psychological alopecia. However, she’s doing well. She did find a hiding spot in my bedroom that is so good I have no idea where she is at times. But she’s curious and silly. I don’t think she’s ready to be adopted quite yet, so I’m offering her a place of love and safety for the time being. And who knows she may be a foster fail or she may be another opportunity to learn to say goodbye.

Look at all of this reflection! Time to take on the weekly lists? Want to join me in a bit of gratitude, celebration and desire? Let’s go!

Gratitudes

1. Discounted haircare with Salon Apprentice

2. My CSA box with Roxbury Farms and weekly fresh produce

3. Cooler temps and open windows

4. My yoga practice and the friends that hold me accountable

5. hot coffee and red sangria!

Celebrations

1. Finding a home for Bendito and fostering a new kitty, Diomita!

2. Moderating another wonderful Wedding 101 Panel this evening

3. The return of access of the follow up bots on NYT Games

4. Scheduling an overdue doctors appointment (1 down, 2 to go!)

5. Booking 2 new weddings for 2026

Desires

1. To have light Ragweed pollen days, so my allergies don’t act up

2. Drink more water

3. Scrolling less on social media

4. Planning trips & vacations for 2026

5. Return to regular ukulele playing and scheduling a lesson