Alex Came Running

My friend and pastor, Doug, drove me to my house this afternoon. As I crossed the threshold, I called Alex's name. When he didn't respond, I wasn't concerned: the last time I was there Alex was in the yard next door and jumped down from the fence and came running when I called him. This time, when I went on the deck and called him, he didn't come runnning.

I refilled his two food and his water bowls, putting in lots of dry food plus two packets of his favorite his favorite eats. I then went out on the deck and called him again. No response came from Alex.

Although I did not want to leave, I was dependent upon Doug for transportation because I have been unable to pay my auto insurance or renew the license plate which was due in my birth month, February. So I locked the front door, and as I was going across the porch, I called Alex one last time.

I saw a white streak running from a yard across the street from my house. I was overjoyed to call Alex as he came running toward me. Alex wouldn't come up on the porch because Doug was there, but as soon as I unlocked and opened the door, he played the "bat of out hell" and ran into the house. I caught up with him in the kitchen, scooped my friend into my arms, and hugged him as he purred. Then he jumped to the floor, leaped onto his dining table, and I added a third packet his favorite food to the bowl that already held two pockets. I stroked his head and ears as he ate and then slipped quietly out the front door. Saying good-bye is painful for me-and, I believe, Alex.

The replacement forms for my pension withdrawal had arrived in the church's mail yesterday and Doug had brought them with him. I have re-completed them and hope to mail them back to the Pension Board tomorrow.

This has been a good and hope-filled day.