Today Xavier Rock’On turned 15-years-old! It has been a bumpy ride with my last codependent relationship but I can’t imagine it any other way. I sure love this guy even though when I stole a kiss I got smacked this morning…I expected nothing less! I often wonder if my OCD diagnosis is actually real or in reaction to living with this cat.
I remember the day we met and if it wasn’t for my nephew, Casey, Xavier would have never been part of my life. I had recently had a dream about a cat that looked like him and in the dream, his name was Javier (but I liked the spelling with an X better, so yes, I am one of those moms that spelled her kid’s name wrong). I had visited my mom’s church and after service, Casey, who was 7, at the time, had disappeared, so I went to find him. He was in the entry hall with this ball of fur in his arms. He wanted to love a cat so badly, but most kids with ADHD, tend to find it hard to find a cat that can put up with their constant movement, although this kitten seemed to rest and enjoy being in Casey’s arms and I was sold. I knew his mother would have to say no. I told Casey, he would have to sell it to Gramma because that is where I lived, the cat would be mine and I would name him Xavier, but we both knew Xavier would be his. It worked and funny enough, although Xavier doesn’t seem to like men, he has always liked Casey, no matter how big, hairy and smelly Casey got.
Xavier’s mother was a pure bred doll faced Persian cat, she got out and had a good afternoon and we don’t know what his father was. He has a lot of Persian cat traits, which makes him high maintenance but he seems to holding on longer than the usual 13-year life span and I am happy about that. Xavier has IBS and lives only on prescription food and treats..although because it is his birthday he will get a couple licks of tapioca pudding because HE LOVES it!
Xavier rules our home. He pretty much decides when we go to bed, when the TV gets shut off. What time I wake up and how messy the place will get before he has put up with too much. He is very vocal. He says No, Mama and Love You. He is so much like me, I find it eerie. He has learned my facial expressions and my temperament, he even gives me back my anxiety. All of this has helped me to learn as much self control as I can muster. He also wakes me before I get sick and knows how to calm me when I have an anxiety attack and will nag the heck out of me when it is time to take my meds, if I haven’t taken them. He has learned the fastest way to wake me is to bug Karen…it probably wont wake her, hardly anything does unless you have coffee and food in your hands, but my protective vibe is very strong.
He was a hard kitty to raise. He, like me, is also has very sensitive sensory issues. Sounds, lights, too much petting all can trigger bad behavior. I tried many things with him and finally in desperation I cried out to God, who told me to not yell, ever. He told me that he was like me and Casey and we were always ready to be set off so be careful to watch for changes so I know when to stop touching him. It worked. Even when Xavier forgets himself and bites me, I know he doesn’t mean to. I don’t get mad. He doesn’t have control like I do. He always makes amends later. He has learned to trust me over anyone else because he knows I know his limits.
I have a feeling a have a few more years with my buddy. He just had a week where I could tell he was feeling his years and we are having a little bit of a flare but today is a good day. I can tell because I have already been slapped for giving him a kiss on his birthday…I know the rules…but I am Mommy…I am really enjoying these later years. He is so fun now that he is slowing down. He cuddles more. This talking thing is hilarious! I am not someone who plans on having tons of pets. I like having 1 or 2 because I can’t imagine being able to bond with a ton of animals the way I can with less of them. Xavier needs to be an only animal so he is pretty special. I am very thankful for my boy! Happy birthday Xavier!
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My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven.
For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Christian, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information.
If you are interested in becoming a Christian…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.
If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this:
Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world.
I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me.
I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.
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