Dear Pebbles – A Letter From Mom on My Second Birthday

Well, my friends, it’s that most wonderful time of the year again. The weather is cooling off, the leaves are falling from the trees, and the trick-or-treaters have long-since eaten all their candy. So you know what that means! No, no, no. I’m not talking about Santa Paws. It’s my birthday month!

This year I am turning two years old! As a special gift, Mom decided to write me a letter. I mean, that’s nice and all. But I sure hope this doesn’t mean no birthday treats! Anyway, I decided I would share my letter with you. Thanks, Mom!

Dear Pebbles

Dear Pebbles,

I can’t believe you are already two years old. How did that happen so fast? When I look at you, I still sometimes see the tiny, helpless little kitten that couldn’t figure out how to get out of the cat carrier.

But when I look again, I realize how far you’ve come. No longer helpless and pitiful; you are sassy, sweet, and in control of every situation. I have learned so much from you over the past two years. I don’t know why I was chosen to be your caretaker. But I do know that sharing your adventures has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Independent Pebbles

Raising a blind kitten did not come without its challenges. Simple things, like a chair or a wall, could suddenly become dangerous obstacles. I felt like I needed to shelter you from the world. But the most difficult part of watching you grow was allowing you to struggle. Because I knew that would make you stronger. I knew you could do it. But don’t think for a second that as I watched you desperately trying to get down off the cat tree, giving a tiny little cry for help, that I wasn’t crying with you. How often did I have to restrain myself to allow you to learn? But you never let me down.

I am often both amazed and terrified at what a little daredevil you are. The thought of failure never enters your mind. One of the most common questions I get about you is, “Does Milton help Pebbles navigate her surroundings.” This makes me smile a little because I know what you would say. You would “look” up at them with your sweet little face and satellite ears and reply, “Excuse me? Why on earth would I need help getting around? I am quite capable of taking care of myself, thank you very much. Brofur Milton, on the other hand, has been known to fall off of counters for no reason.”

And that is part of your charm. By all appearances, you should be helpless and needy. And yet, you refuse assistance even when I think you need it. You take risks, despite all my adamant objections.

Diva Pebbles

As sweet as you are, as adorable as your tiny (6.8 pound) frame is, you have a naughty streak a mile wide. You are smart and sweet. That is unless you don’t get your way. Too many cuddles? Forget it. Pick you up if you didn’t ask for it? Nope, nope, and more nope!

But the real claws come out when food is involved. If Dad or I are eating, we are required to share. REQUIRED. If we refuse to comply with your demands, a level of fury is unleashed in the form of swatting, hissing, and some seriously nasty words that we don’t use in a good Christian home. And there is no other way to describe it. To warn each other away when you are having one of your tantrums we simply say, “Oh, she’s being Diva Pebbles right now.” And we knowingly leave you alone.

Cuddle Pebbles

Oh, dear Pebbles. As sharp as your little attitude can be, you can turn quickly and become a little cuddle muffin. When I’m laying in bed or attempting to work on the computer you come with your little meow and rub your sweet face against me. And I suddenly become helpless. No work will get done. I can’t even get up to use the bathroom for fear of offending you.

And despite the fact that I may be uncomfortable, tired, or have things I need to get done, it all has to wait. Because you are there. And it is an honor just to share the space next to you as you cuddle and purr.

Happy Birthday, My Dear Pebbles!

So I just want to say, thank you, my dear Pebbles. Thank you for being the sweet, sassy, independent girl that you are. Thank you for showing me that our weaknesses don’t define us. No matter our circumstances, we are only limited by our own beliefs. But most of all, thank you for loving me, no matter how man silly costumes I put on you or no matter how many nose kisses I steal. Still, you are always there at the end of the day, purring, making me feel honored that you chose to lay beside me.

You are my inspiration, my comedian, my little angel. You are my Pebbles. I love you more than words could ever express.

Love, Mom

Until next time… Keeping Pebbles Strong!