God comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, God brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.

2 Corinthians 1:4 The Message

We lost our cat recently and I saw God's grace at work.

Sticks and Bones came our way via a close friend, Chris. When he found Sticks and Bones, she was a dumpster diving cat who wasn't eating regularly, hence her name. Chris caught her and tamed her, but could not keep her at the time. I agreed to take her home and keep her until he could work out better arrangements, or forever ...

Sticks quickly established herself as queen of the house, as cats are prone to do. Harrison, my seven year old, took to her immediately, informing me that he was an expert cat trainer. He took particular delight in the way she pounced on my feet when they were under the covers. Chasing her tail brought unfettered delight and laughter. I found her a welcome comfort on weeknights when I was alone. We experienced the simple joys of God's creation through her.

Most weeks, Harrison insisted on calling to leave Chris a message updating him on "the Stickser's" progress and latest antics. He took the responsibility of cat trainer seriously as he and Chris are close. For a time earlier this year, Chris did not have access to his son, Britt, so we spent Saturdays, sharing Harrison's time. They hit it off immediately. Many Saturdays, Harrison's first question when I picked him up, was "Is Mr. Chris here, too?"

All his life, Chris has fought multiple demons, yet I found myself drawn to him because of his deep commitment to Christ. A fairly new Christian, his understanding and faith were beyond my own. He helped me to grow in the Word and to commit to a more structured and committed faith life. Recently, his life began improving, including reconciliation with his wife and renewed contact with his son. On Monday, April 16, Chris won the battle with his demons, he died in a car wreck and is finally at peace.

His wife contacted me on Friday to ask if I could bring Sticks to the wake and give her to Britt. When I told Harrison that Sticks was going away, he cried. He cried more when I told him about Chris. Then he told me that he wanted to be there to tell Britt all about Sticks and how to care for her, after all he is an expert cat trainer.

On Saturday, before the wake, we were at my sister's house. I overheard Harrison consoling his cousin who had just lost her pet rabbit. He, too, was losing a pet, so they grieved their loss together. At the wake, Harrison and Britt quickly bonded. All others were quickly put out of the cat room while they explored Sticks together. I heard them talking about Chris. Soon they were sharing in the wonders of Sticks, laughing.

After the initial shock, Harrison was ready and willing to share the gifts he had gained from Chris. I can see that need to be prepared to do the same with mine.

Prayer: God who comforts me in my sorrow, Help me to know that in all things you work for the good. When I suffer loss or defeat, let me feel your hand on my shoulder, your arms wrapped around me in love. Help me to see how I can share the gifts you have given me in my sorrow with others, who need a comforting touch or word.