The Saturday Journal: The Rescue

It was last Monday--the Monday following Hurricane Helene and my daughter sent me a screenshot of this kitten. A kitten that had been hanging around her school. Some of the teachers had been feeding the kitten. My daughter's message read, 'Mama, do you want it? It's so pitiful.'

And I answered her, 'It looks like it's been out in the storm. Dang it, you're catching me at an emotional time!'

I'm really not a cat person, even though I had one for nineteen years. Taps, she was a stray too--a kitten given to me by my Daddy. And after a good long life and well loved, she crossed the rainbow bridge this year on a Wednesday in February.

I did not want another cat.

My daughter and my grandson and granddaughter took the kitten to the vet--a boy kitten, my grandson decided. And sure enough he's a boy. The kitten weighed a pound--maybe four weeks old. And then they made a trip to the local pet supply store and bought him a carrier, kitten milk, and food and they took him home and loved on him and they gave him a name. "Storm"

And Storm went to his new home, a few days later--my home. And my granddaughter cried. It wasn't they didn't want to keep little Storm, they have Andy and Evee--dog and a cat of their own.

My daughter would text me in the days to come, and even now, 'Make sure he's got some blankets! He likes to be rubbed under his chin. He starts purring and loving on you when you do that. He feels safe in his carrier. Send pictures. Send videos--we need live feed! Missing the little guy!'

Storm--he has a nub tail and often he resembles a baby bunny rabbit--hopping--jumping and playing. But not every moment is a happy moment for him. He's skittish--afraid at times--the roar of the hair dryer will send him running--hiding under the bed. And if he sees me with a broom, sweeping the floor--he runs to his carrier, or a safe place to hide.

And in one of the photos I sent to my daughter, she commented, 'He looks bigger already. Taller?!'

'I don't think so,' I replied. 'I believe the poor little guy has been walking--hunkered down--crouched down for so long just to stay alive--he's safe now, he can walk a little taller.'

And I think about Storm and I don't know all his story--only the one he's writing now--with my family. But I can imagine--collecting bits and pieces from his actions--what triggers him to hide--what frightens him. And my mind reflects on the children affected by Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton. How something as simple as running water from a shower head could bring back the sounds and images of rushing waters--the need to hide--escape, and their fears and anxiety--possibly lingering for many years to come.

Storm's care will be long-term. He'll need food and water, a place to lay his head where he feels safe--a sense of home. Our families in the Appalachian mountains and throughout the Southeast will need the same. And we can all be involved--through prayer--through giving--committed for the long haul.

I didn't want another cat. But the truth is, I didn't know I needed little Storm, until I did. Helping others and giving unselfishly--sometimes we don't know we need that in our life--until it becomes a part of our lives--a big part of our life. Helping others is a healing balm--a humbling grace given to us from God--asked by God.

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 22:30

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Matthew 25:40

My daughter, her co-workers at the high school, my grandbabies, and even myself--it was not one of us individually who rescued Storm. It was all of us working together in love, to do what was best for the little guy.

It was love that rescued Storm.

And it is love that rescued me, and I pray that same love has rescued you.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

And that same love and hope will sustain us--over and over--carrying us through the darkest of storms.

---

Please continue to pray for all of those affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The needs are great and will be for months and years to come. Please give as you can--as God leads you to give.

Through the month of October, a daily Bible verse through email and on A Beautiful Grace social media pages (Instagram & Facebook).

I pray in some small way these verses will speak peace and hope and

encourage as we walk through this--

praying and working together.

I would be humbled and most grateful if you sign up for

A Beautiful Grace newsletter and The Saturday Journal

All photos copyright @Tathel Miller unless otherwise credited.

Some photos in this post are courtesy of my daughter, Jill Miller Woodie.