Max's Day: Part 1

A celebration of the life of our Max

Two years ago today Max had her car accident. I am not going to bleat on about the unfairness of it all even though she was only a month off her 2nd birthday, nor even tell you of the words I spoke when I sat next to her empty shell at noon on that sunny day which seems to long ago now. I will tell you though of the bouncy kitten that had made her home with us less than two years before. Also of her kitten hood friend Minnie who used to frolic with her that summer. They came before they had their injections so they could not go out for the first few weeks though there was plenty of people to care and play with them. They were treated like the tiny kittens they were, and allowed themselves to be picked up like human babies and cradled in blankets. They enjoyed running around and even managed to get themselves inside the sofas. After their injections they were allowed in the big world. Running up and down the trees and playing on the grass, they were making the most out of their innocence – a sight that many humans find alluring. It is indeed strange how in the depths of despondency ones so small can touch your heart and somehow makes everything appear not so futile, but Max and Minnie were that to me – just like Morgan and Scooby now – and many people at the house. As they got bigger their independence grew and so did their taste for adventure. I recall a particular time I was staring out a window and saw Max discover a hole in the bottom of a fence, straight away after discovering it she ran back. I imagined Max running excitedly to her playmate; “Look what I have found Minnie, a hole! Come and see with me!” Less than a minute later the two appeared again to uncover the mysterious that lay beyond. Right up to Minnie’s death that February, they were best of friends. Indeed Max had to be placated that evening as she appeared anxious of her companion’s absence though, as animals seem to be renowned for, adapted quickly to this change. Not saying that Minnie was forgotten however his death seemed to somehow mark the end of her kitten-hood and her descent into what nature had instore for her and beyond.

To continue next week... in the meantime if anyone who knew Max has any memories of her, or Minnie, please leave a 'comment' - we would love to hear them!!