Sei’s just very careful about coming onto Herself’s territory; but yesterday he spent most of the day under the chest of drawers in my room…rather a high legged chest, so I know he’s there, and he can watch things.
He spent last night there, too, or at least was there this morning. This morning I called to him, and he came over, very cautiously got onto the bed. Then started head-butting and rolling over and doing tummy fur and got under the covers and purred. Didn’t stay there long. I’ve been careful not to force him to do anything. I just call, and if he wants to come, he comes…but he’s getting more willing to pay attention. [Ysabel would come when I called, infallibly, dear old girl.] But no comparisons are fair. Sei came to us as a young gentleman, a year old, and he’s got his own ways, which are very fine. Patience is my part in this transaction; trust, in his. So we have at least the beginning of a partnership. No, I’m not fickle: I feel Ysabel’s absence deeply, but I will do that for a long, long time. But Sei’s at a crossroads, and I can’t leave him there: I have to open the way for him to be him, and not ask him to be Ysabel, but to try to get those behaviors that are safety for a traveling kitteh, the willingness to be close to me, and to pay attention to my voice. He’s caught in a moment of change, and wondering what happened and if there’s now a room in the house that could be his, and he’s interested; I have to meet that willingness fairly, and if I shed a tear or two in the process, well, kittehs don’t understand that sort of thing half as well as they understand an offered lap and a cuddle.
I see parallels between Sei and certain of your characters.
Phil Brown
Sei is the guide for the next part of your journey. A fire ceremony to honour Ysabel might be beneficial. Honour and release. She will then be able to walk by your side from the energetic side of the fence, and that will then allow Sei to step into his role on this side. He may need to know that the “space” is open for him to step into. Part of that is awareness, that there has been and is going to be a significant transition on your journey, and inviting Sei to lead, guide and protect you.
I think Ysabel waited until she was sure she was leaving you in good paws.
I think horsewisevt has given an excellent suggestion. When you feel ready, you and Jane can arrange a ceremony for Shu and Sei both as they assume new roles in the household. In no way will the elder cats be forgotten, but the younger ones can be promoted, so to speak.
Please let me know when you feel up to lighting the Shejidan lantern for Ysabel. We need to do it yet for Emily and Katie. Tears will be shed, but crying never hurt anyone, and is healing, I think.
Seishi seems like a gentle creature that was not loved nearly enough in his past life, and he is surely in the right place now. And you know cats always know when you are hurting and they want to come help you feel better.
I do like to think of you three (or five) lighting the lantern for the departed ones. Putting light around them.
Even in the greatest sadness a cat is a perfect anchor to reality, and a cat’s fur can soak up any amount of tears. Somehow they leave space for our memories of lost ones, but filling gaps we never knew existed with new quirks.
I have been away from the computer for a few days and did not know. I am so, so sorry. So very sorry. Ever since we lost our Carrots kitty, our newest member of the household, Jack Bauer, has tried to take up the slack. He is a big kitty, with big paws, like Seishi, and so very soft. Whenever any of us is especially missing our Carrots, there he is, insisting on being held and offering comfort, just like Kokipy says. And yes, Sloren is right…a cat’s fur really can soak up any amount of tears. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts.
Something that might brighten your day a bit.
Today, went to the store and they’re moving everything around. Looked for, didn’t find udon noodles this time. Will find them (or other whole wheat / buckwheat) next time.
But what I *did* find by accident gave me a chuckle, so I thought I’d share. Looking through the shelves, what do I run across, but “Pocky.” Now, I didn’t know what “Pocky” is, except a reference in anime and art and fanfic. Huh, I think, probably sweeter than anything, but (haha) I bought a package to try. Had to.
Thought it might give you both a grin.
ah, yes. I find Pocky pleasant. Jane really likes it. 😉
My daughter, who loves anime and japanese culture, is a pocky lover. It’s good yummy stuff ! (OT: and now she’s taking Japanese language in college and really liking it a lot; very encouraging development for a “non-language” Geology major that hated High School Spanish).
As to your kittehs, it’s wonderful to hear that Sei (and you CJ 😉 ) are getting thought the transition. Our household is working through the loss of one of our three dogs. The adjustments are hard for two and four footed members of the family, but we’re doing ok.
If you are going to eat pocky, then try to find a bottle or two of ramune, which is a type of japanese soda. Many different flavors, and there is a marble-type ball inside the bottle to add to the experience. My son is addicted (I think he is a changeling, japanese style).