Humans and waiting. Bleh.

About a month ago I nearly lost Fergus. 

Something woke me up at 3 in the morning. Amazing how that Something’s-Not-Right-Clock still functions years after taking care of Martin and my Mom at home.

When I got up, I discovered that Fergus had managed to expel fluids from just about every orifice on his little body onto just about every floor surface in my home. When I found him he was barely able to stand as he dry-heaved in a corner. (Welcome to the world of caregiving where the notion of expelling fluids and the words “orifice” and “heaved” don’t scare us.)

I picked up Fergus, gunk and all, wrapped him in a blanket, put on some soft music and held him, all the while telling him how much I loved him. 

This wasn’t Fergus’ first time--hence, his nickname Lazarus--but it was the most serious. It took a week for him to recover with meds and good vibes from his vet, Dr. Kate, and her care team. During that week he drank water, but he ate the equivalent of two teaspoons of chicken. That was it. I tried all of his favorites. He wasn’t biting.

I just knew that he and Martin were going to be together soon, though I was certain that Fergus would run to my Mother first. After all, she had happily shared her ice cream with her granddog every night after dinner despite our protests.

Fergus recovered on Day 7, but during that time I did a lot of thinking. I realized I did not have a photo of just the two of us. Selfies don’t count. A photo of us had been on my to-do list for ages along with “clean junk drawer” and “organize freezer.”

Shortly after, I ran into my neighbor and friend, Cynthia Williams. Actually, Cynthia, is more than a neighbor and friend. Twice, she has dropped everything and has driven Fergus and me to the vet. She and her husband were also there for Martin and me countless times, including the time Martin wandered over to their house and told them that I had drug dealers living on the top floor. Cynthia, who is quite the baker, announced, “Martin, I made some scones. Would you like some tea and scones?” Calmed him faster than any dart gun. No, that my friends, falls into the sister category. 

During our meetup, Cynthia mentioned that she had a new camera. I asked if she would do me a favor. 

And so, on a beautiful fall New Hampshire afternoon, she took a series of photos of Fergus and me. I was happy until yesterday when she surprised me with a framed photo of Fergus and me. I was happier.

Among today’s many lessons? There’s the one about the invaluableness of sisterfriends. There’s the other about not being promised tomorrow. If there’s something you meant to do with, do for or say to a loved one, do it today. Please.