Friday, August 11, 2006

A Trip to Holland


In Memory of Lucas

You have decided to travel to France. The trip is a few months away, but you start planning now in advance. You research the culture and learn the language. You study on local cuisine and fine dining. You take it upon yourself to learn the nation's history and it's government. All the while, the excitement is building, and you can feel that France is going to be a once in a lifetime event that will burn in your memory forever.

The magical day arrives, and off to the airport you go! You board your plane promptly, and as the plane takes off, you know the adventure has just begun. However, since it is a long trip, you close your eyes and fall asleep.

When you land, you step off the plane, and strangely enough, you see none of the sights you have come to know through your intense research on France. In fact, none of the people are even speaking French! You ask around desperately if someone can speak English (or French), and upon finding someone who does, you ask where you are. It is then you realize that you have accidentally landed in Holland.

At first, Holland is tough to adapt to. After all, you hadn't researched any of what Holland had to offer. You can't speak Dutch, and you have no desire for wooden shoes. (Later, you find out that they don't really wear those wooden shoes much at all!) You wanted the Eifel Tower, but instead, you got windmills. You wanted croissants, but instead, you ended up with frikadeller.

However, with time, you come to realize that Holland is a very beautiful place. Its people are vibrant with a rich culture and history of their own. The language is precious, and it offers its own artisans just as France has, but practicing their own unique style. You can tell that you'll be fine staying there, learning and adapting as needed because now, rather than being fully prepared and knowing what to expect, Holland has an element of surprise you couldn't have had in France.

So many people want the perfect pet. However, unexpected events arise, and our "travel plans" change. Thank you, Lucas, for showing that beauty, love, and friendship can come from the least of us to the greatest of us, regardless of our state in life.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

you made our Lady's eyes all leaky - that was purrfect!

Alisha said...

Thank you for that. Lucas was certainly an adventure I will never forget. I've received several emails from people, even one from Thailand, asking for help because they have a cat with the same special needs and want to make it work. Lucas really made a difference.

Thanks for caring.

Anonymous said...

What a little sweetheart! I'm sorry to hear he's passed on.

Brenda (lurking for the last few days--found my way here on some convoluted path from Max and Buddah's pages)

(psst! Danish is what the Danes in Denmark speak. People in Holland speak Dutch!) :)

Anonymous said...

Zeus,Great memorial for a very dear kitty who will be greatly missed.

The Meezers or Billy said...

Zeus, that was wonderful. Lucas was truly a speshul kitty and taughted many people how to be more tolerant. He had fulfilled his purpose here and was rewarded by going to The Bridge, where he can enjoy being free of his problems.

PrincessMia said...

That was a very fitting tribute, Zeus. Thank you.

::purrrr::

Emma's Kat said...

What a great lesson Lucas has taught! And know we can all rest assure he is beyond the Rainbow Bridge running and playing with no diaper to worry about!

The smallest feline is a masterpiece. ~Leonardo da Vinci

Shaggy and Scout said...

We were very sad to hear the news. He was a fine little fellow and he taught us all some very important lessons.

Anonymous said...

I don't know who Lucas is but he sure sounds like a special kitty. It was great of you to remember him like this!

Frances D said...

Hi found your link at Carmen's blogwarming.
The kitty is adorable.
Thanks for sharing.
Frances

Carmen said...

my eyes are leaky too. It takes a great human pet to take care of a special needs kitty.

Teri said...

You made my bean's eyes leak too.

Fat Eric said...

Very touching post, Zeus.

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

Oh, this was truly lovely!

Patches Lady

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

That's a wonderful tribute Zeus.

Tigersan said...

Very nice way to remember a comrade and nice post on how to appreciate those family members your have...

claws, flaws, and all :)

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Zeus, that was a beautiful story and touching tribute to a great little guy. He taught all us a lot.

You made my eyes leaky, too.

Pink Chihuahua Princess said...

Awww...this is a very sweet tribute to Lucas. I know that you made his Mommy happy with your kind words.

Roxie, Sammy, Andy and Shermie said...

Zeus,

Thank you for letting us get to know Lucas. He has touched many hearts in his lifetime.

Roxie, Sammy & Andy

Tommy and Teaghan said...

Thank you for that wonderful memorial. You really know how to put things in perspective in writing.

Lilize said...

oh.. how sad :(

but from what i could read on his blog, he was going through a bit of a hard time right... so surely he's better now! :)

cuddles for you my friend :)

=^..^= said...

We'll miss dear Lucas. It's wonderful that Lucas' story has reached so many people and strengthened their resolve to help their pets in a similar condition.

~5-Cat Style

Sam I Am said...

Zeus,
I am so sorry about Lucas. I know it is so hard-- Just remember that Lucas had a really special life with you all, You gave him a little plot of peace and comfort and love. I will be praying for you and the boys. Thank you for stopping by and sharing,

Lots of Licks,
Sam

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Zeus

This was a wonderful tribute to a very special and dear little furfriend that will be missed on this earthly plain. His Momma will be very pleased with your kind and thoughtful words.

*ABBY's Mom