Dearest Shima, what a gorgeous guy you are! You're an absolutely stunning fellow, with that grey and white (and perhaps a bit of orange?) fur and that sweet face with the interesting markings and those lovely big eyes. You are so cute in all those great photos, and thank you for sharing them with us. They certainly do tell quite the story of you and your family! There you are as a kitten, with Mom and Dad holding you in the last shot, and was that right after you joined the family? And next you're standing on your hind legs and reaching for the dangling toy, your mouth wide open. You look so excited! And in the other two you're grown up, relaxing on the couch with Mom skritching your head in one, and you crouching in a paper bag in the other. I wish I could reach through the screen and over to ...wherever you are here in southeastern Michigan, perhaps not very far away ..and pet you! I can't, of course, but I know your loving and beloved Mom and Dad will pet you for me :).
And what a wonderful story, so full of love, you have to tell! Your dear Mom-and-Dad-to-be and you all adopted each other at the mall pet store when you were just nine weeks old. You played with them in the playpen, and then you lay on your back like a baby in Dad's arms. They knew then that you were meant to be a member of the family! They named you Shima, Japanese for "stripe," after your Dad's Japanese name and for your stripy Tabby heritage.
You have a very important role to play in your family! Your Mom lives with chronic pain and chronic illness, and she's home most of the time while Dad works. You can tell when she's hurting the most, and you curl up with her, gazing at her and purring. Or you might jump on her lap and reach up for her face and kiss her forehead. You take such good care of her! You're so sweet and good-natured, so loving and caring, she never feels alone with you there. You and she and Dad all love each other very much, don't you. What a wonderful love-filled home you share!
Congratulations, darling Shima, on being chosen today's Cat of the Day! We hope you and your dear Mom and Dad and all your family and friends are enjoying a fine celebration, full of fun and lovies and all your favorite games and treats.
:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:
