Saturday, May 19, 2012

A Cat's Life: Dulcy's Story


In a posting last June, I described my relationship to a cat who, when we first met, gifted me with her name. She was Dulcy, the sweet one. After her death, she purred the story of our life together in a book channeled through me.
        A later December posting detailed how I came to have 670 trade paperback copies of that book—A Cat’s Life: Dulcy’s Story. At that time, readers could purchase it through PayPal. Now Amazon sells it, as well as the e-book edition. All this gladdens me.


        Why recall this to you today? Because next Tuesday, a second book Dulcy created will become available. It is entitled Twelve Habits of Highly Successful Cats and Their Humans by Dulcy and Dee Ready. In my next posting, I'll explain how this companion book came to be. Today, I’d like to share with you the story of how I realized that I needed Dulcy in my life.
        I’ve already related the story of my return to Dayton in 1971 upon the completion of grad school. I could find no work because of having an FBI file. However, a warehouse manager hired me. Unfortunately, the warehouse sat outside the city limits, and without a car, I had no way to get there. Luckily for me, a fellow employee offered to pick me up at the home of a mutual friend. I’d ride my bike there each weekday morning and hitch a ride.
        One November afternoon, I pedaled happily away from the friend's house, turned left, and traveled a few blocks down a neighborhood street. All was as usual until I heard a car approaching behind me. Slowly, ever so slowly and deliberately, the car edged me closer and closer to the curbing. I kept pedaling, staring ahead, not wanting to look to the left side for fear of eye contact.
        Long moments passed. Pedaling became difficult in the narrow passage between the side of the car and the curb. Unexpectedly, a hand reached out the car window to grab and twist my wrist. It shoved me sideways so that the bike and I tumbled to the ground. My body fell awkwardly, my feet still held captive by the pedal guard.
        As the car sped away, I could see the heads of two men.
        I lay shaking on the grassy verge for a few moments, fearful that they’d come back. Glancing at my aching wrist, I realized that the intrusive hand had twisted off my watch. I’d treasured it for seventeen years because my aunt had given it to me when I graduated from high school. It was now gone, but were the two men?
       Clumsily, I mounted the bike and pedaled furiously toward home. On the way, I sang “I Whistle a Happy Tune” as loudly as I could. 

        
Then, as I’d feared, the car drew alongside me again. The two young men inside greeted me cheerily.
        Ignoring them, I concentrated on pedaling. Finally, perhaps annoyed with my off-key singing, they sped away. I was relieved because I'd feared they’d follow me to where I lived.
        A few days later, the warehouse manager fired me and I got a job teaching at a dropout center. Then in March 1972, a friend, worried because I had no one to go home to for comfort, encouraged me to pick out a kitten from the litter in her upstairs closet. Thus, Dulcy came into my life.


        For the next seventeen and a half years, she became my ally. Not only was she the sweet one. She was solicitous about my welfare, always greeting me with a purr and a rub of my ankles. She became, I say this with deep gratitude, my companion.


   

38 comments:

  1. If I had a "To do" list, the first thing on it for Tuesday would be "BUY YOUR BOOK"!!!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Dear Fishducky, what a dear you are. Peace.

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  2. Dee, I'm so sorry your finding Dulcy had to be preceded by such a frightening and sad incident. Thankfully you had her companionship for so long and she was such a blessing to you. I wish the new book every success.

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    1. Dear Perpetua, thank you for your good wishes for the new book. It's such a joy for me to know that people who come to my blog meet Dulcy. She was a blessing in my life and taught me so much about patience and equanimity and devotion. Peace.

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  3. Dee: I am so sorry about your fear and pain. I love the way that you greeted it, and the fact that these young men did not defeat you.
    And I am so so happy for the love you found with Dulcy. They wind their paws deep into our heart strings don't they? And take a piece of us with them when they leave.

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    1. Dear EC, that song from "The King and I" has seen me through a number of scary times. And I was scared when that young man shoved me and I fell on the verge. What I was really scared about was that they would follow me home and break in.

      And yes, animals do "wind their paws deep into our heart strings." The memories of my life with Dulcy remain, even after all these years. She taught me so much about how to be a friend to other cats. Peace.

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    2. I hope that you didn't take my comment as somehow 'minimising' your fear. What I really liked, and probably didn't make clear, was that you were able to rise above it. The fear was very, very real (and understanable) but I don't think that many people would have been able to pick themselves up and ride home singing (off key or not). You are a never ending inspiration to me.

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    3. Dear EC, not to worry, I surely didn't feel that you were doing any minimizing of my fright. That song really did fit the occasion and it kept me pedaling away so I could get home before the two young men sighted me again.

      Thank you for your kind words. I've never felt like an inspiration to anyone, so I'm somewhat bemused by your last sentence. Peace.

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  4. This is a very touching story about how Dulcy came into your life. I can't imagine how terrible the incident must have been when your watch was stolen.

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    1. Dear Sally, yes that incident was scary as I explained to "Elephant Child" in my response up above to her comment. But that song did help me, as it has many times. Peace.

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  5. I never cease to marvel at the cruelty of some people. And I never cease to marvel at the joy God sends us through people/cats like Dulcy.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Dear Janie, I suspect those young men who probably were in their late teens were just out joy riding. Probably bored and I was there--a target for fun.

      You have used the right word--joy. That's what Dulcy made me feel.

      Peace.

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  6. What healing sweet Dulcy brought to you. I was horrified at the meaness of those two men, and so grateful Dulcy stepped into your life~

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    1. Dear Shelly, yes truly was a blessing in my life. We had great adventures together when we moved from Dayton to Claremont, New Hampshire. She kept me sane there! Peace.

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  7. There are few companions as comforting and rewarding as our feline friends.

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    1. Dear Mike, I so agree with you. Do you have feline friends? They bless our lives. Peace.

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  8. Dear Dee,

    Your story just becomes more interesting with each post. How horrible and mean-spirited some people can be. I hope karma came to them.
    Arleen

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    1. Dear Arleen, those young men--probably just teenagers--did scare me as I said to "Elephant Child" and Sally above. I don't know if they were high on something or just out for a laugh. But I've never forgotten toppling over onto the verge and trying to extricate my feet from those pedals. Fortunately, the frame of the bike wasn't damaged by the fall, so I could ride it home. Peace.

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  9. What a terrifying encounter. It boggles my mind that there are people like that out there.
    What great timing to have Dulcy come into your life at such a low point. Sounds like she might have been sent.

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    1. Dear Arkansas Patti, I do so agree that she was sent to me by the Holy Oneness of All Creation of which she and I....and you are a part. Peace.

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  10. Oh my gosh, how terrified you must have been! You wonder at what goes through some people's brains!

    I love the story of how Dulcy came into your life, and I loved reading her book! I will look forward to reading the new one!

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    1. Dear Sandi, in my response to Elephant Child's comment I shared just how scary all this was. I'm glad you are going to read the new one. Dulcy comes across as a real teacher in this one! Peace.

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  11. So sorry you were bullied by those two young men!! I am often baffled by the motivation of people. Cruelty breeds cruelty is all you can say.

    Animals can truly be companions!! Yes! Yes! I have had many in my life. If it wasn't for my first dog, Candy, I would never have learned about unconditional love. Karma and I are very connected. :)

    I'm glad you are putting out a sequel!! :):)

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    1. Dear Rita, no one who reads your blog could ever doubt the connection between you and Karma. She is your karma and you are hers. Peace.

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  12. Every post you leave me somewhat breathless! What a story, Dee. I am delighted to hear that Amazon has your book and as an e-book, too! That's a wonderful accomplishment, and I look forward to the new one! You have a great overall story...when are you going to write your memoir? It might have to be a couple of volumes, however! I'd sure buy it! Debra

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    1. Dear Debra, the memoir is going to be written as soon as I get settled in Minnesota. I'm going to use much of what I've already posted here and add any necessary transition and explanation. Of course, I have more to write on this blog about the convent years and teaching and about growing up. I like writing the postings because they keep me focused and force me to be more spare with words. Thank you for asking! Peace.

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  13. My goodness, Dee! Your writing is so clear I could feel your fear of the men in the car - well placed fear. I never heard of such a type of robbery - horrid.
    I also flipped back to your story about getting fired - so unjust, so very unjust.
    I am glad Dulcy was able to come into your life and give you real companionship and love.

    Patricia

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    1. Dear Patricia, yes, Dulcy was a true blessing in my life. She gave the soul to my apartment and later any home in which I lived. Peace.

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  14. I look forward to the book! I am sure you will put all the pertinent information about how to order, etc. I just simply loved your first book about Dulcy. She is a very sweet cat and I'm sure she will be just as interesting in the second one! And your memoirs, they will be a best seller, I'm hoping! :-)

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    1. Dear DJan, thank you for your appreciative words about "A Cat's Life: Dulcy's Story."
      I'm so pleased that you liked it. The companion book will have an icon to click on to get to Amazon.

      As to the memoir, I do so hope you're right!!!!

      Peace.

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  15. I loved the book. Will keep eyes open for the 12 habits...

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    1. Dear Heidi, I'm so pleased that you liked Dulcy's story! Peace.

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  16. It was so special to have that kind of a relationship with your precious Dulcy. She was actually more like family than a just a pet.
    I look forward to your lastest book, Dee.

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    1. Dear Pam, yes, I was truly blessed in and with Dulcy. She was my family. She and Bartleby. Now I live with Ellis, Maggie, and Matthew and they keep me hopping!
      Peace.

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  17. Well, Dee, I finally made it back to your post to finally comment. What a harrowing experience that was; not only the stalking by car and theft of your watch, but the taunting as well. Angels were surely watching over you that day as you weren't hurt, and how wondrous it was that Dulcy came into your life. Best of luck with the new book, Dee.

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    1. Dear Penny, thanks for stopping by. It's so good to hear from you. The taunting was scary. I wish I'd thought of that word to use in the posting. You know, I have fourteen guardian angels. Thirteen people who don't believe in angels gave me theirs so I'm really taken care!

      Thank you for wishing me luck with the new book. Peace.

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  18. How scary for you on your bike that day! I'm so sorry you went through that. What a brilliant thing to do...sing...in order to cope.

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    1. Dear Michelle, singing is something my mom did all through the day and both my brother and I learned early that song could "chase the blues away." Peace.

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