A Letter to Blue: Thank You For Choosing Me

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

There are many reasons humans love pets. They tap into a different, wildly complex kind of love that only furry companions can access. While there’s probably an endless number of ways I can thank her, here is my nod to Blue. It’s a list of personality quirks and behaviors that I am eternally grateful for. Here’s how she effortlessly enriches my day-to-day.

Thank You

For being a quiet companion when the world is full of noise and words are overwhelming. Your silent company is everything. Knowing you're always only a few steps away, whether I'm sleeping, working, or putzing around the house, your presence is so comforting.

For being still when life begins to move too quickly. You remind me to find the pockets of peace despite having an always-growing calendar of events. We may not have this in common, but I can always count on you to seize the moment when an impromptu check-in arises.

For purring when nothing else sounds right. Your rhythmic hums are the perfect melody when music feels chaotic, regardless of the genre. Your soft energy is contagious.

For your patience when I’m busy or distracted, and how you wait with quiet understanding for your turn to have my attention. I mean, occasionally you demand it, leading me to my next point.

Thanks for letting me know when you need me, too. Kinships are a two-way street, so cheers to you for always holding up your end of the bargain, communicating your needs, and showing up for me, too.

For not bringing me dead critters and opting out of eating bugs when they find their way into our home. Although sometimes I wish you were more passionate about pest-free living, there’s much to learn from such a meek and gentle outlook.

For being persistent and pursuing your own agenda. Dinner time, lap sits, and outdoor excursions are non-negotiable. You never fail to keep me informed of the most important things you need to thrive and feel empowered.

For keeping your eyes intensely deadlocked on absolutely nothing for 4 minutes straight and scaring me into believing our house is haunted, which isn’t that big of a flex. I would probably think this anyway. You do add an extra layer of fear, so that keeps the mystery alive and makes life a little more interesting. What’s a home without a little undisclosed and potentially terrifying history, anyways?

For keeping me company while I work and periodically nudging me throughout the day, because sometimes I need the reminder that you’re more important than deadlines.

For choosing newer and harder places to vomit so I can master my treasure hunting skills, and to remind me that my hairball-colored floor was a choice. Less of a treasure hunt and more of a minefield.

For allowing me to work through the mats in your fur without batting an eye, but biting me when I pet you gently for one second too long. I get it, love is complicated.

For your anxious waddle when you get spooked. Running is not in the cards for you, but you move with the velocity and determination of an Olympic speed walker. It’s both impressive and adorable. Your dad and I make bum-bum-bum-bum sounds with every step that amplify your already heavy-footed saunter—yes, we are childish, but this is comedy at its finest.

For not being an obsessive scratcher and tearing up our stuff. Aside from my dining chairs during that one phase, you’ve done an excellent job of keeping your claws to yourself.

For being a keyboard warrior on my behalf when I forget to sign out of work. Remember when you sent 500+ messages to one of my Slack channels? Mortifying, yet hilarious. Luckily, Slack flagged them, so we didn't ping the team for every message. Took me forever to delete them all, but that was worth it. You better believe my chats are closed before I leave my desk now.

For being a cheeky cat. You are a delight to all you meet, but know your limits, set your boundaries, and enforce them gracefully. Or you just bite unsuspecting hands when you’re touched out.

For your sociability. You have a knack for winning over even the most anti-cat, allergy-prone humans. It’s impossible not to love you when you look like a fluffy, chubby cherub.

For making our house feel like a home, simply by being in it.

Thanks for being you, Blue, and choosing our family to grow old with.