I find it nearly impossible to believe that she is entering her twelfth year.  Still, the signs of aging are there. She’s not nearly as nimble as she used to be and she’s been missing her jumps, so we now provide “step-ups” for her to get on the bed or to her food bowl. But sometimes, even getting up on the sofa is a challenge for her.

I adopted her from kids giving away kittens in front of the grocery store. I named her after Maya Angelou, as she slept curled up in my purse in the car. My sweet girl.

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
― Maya Angelou