Webster defines 'Spark' as something that sets off a sudden force <provided the
spark that helped the team to rally>
Christmas Eve day, 2004, I found myself caught between planning and preparing for a houseful of company
and caring for my autistic son's cat. The cat came down ill suddenly that morning. Together, we decided that we
would assess and monitor the cat throughout the day in-between the 'work' that had to be done. We hurried and scurried
until everything was checked off that list. In the process of course, we provided the love and attention our ill cat
needed. As the day progressed, we agreed a trip to the vet after the festivities would be best. As our home was
filled with laughter, excitement, and love something was missing. You see, our cat normally joined us for all family
festivities. This night, he could be found sleeping in his bed alone.
At 3 o'clock Christmas morning, I found myself trying to explain to my son why his cat was going
to heaven on Christmas. My son didn't sleep that night, nor all Christmas day. Autism affects his communication
skills and therefore it was essential that I spent quality time talking with him and helping him understand that everything in
life is not 'fair'. If it were, we'd all have to go through the devistation the earth quake has caused. Autism
also causes him to act out -- hit, yell, scream, stomp, throw things, break things and the list goes on. In the nursing
home world we call these 'behaviors'. My son exhibits most that we've seen with residents.
Since Whiskers joined our family in 2003, Justin's ability to handle 'change' in his routine has improved.
His behaviors have lessened. Whiskers helps him to cope with the overstimulation 'our world' brings him.
Around 9:30 Christmas morning, I received a phone call from the pet hospital. It was indeed end
of life - kidney failure that Whiskers was experiencing. Knowing full well that I was the one that needed
to create a 'spark'........ I began combing the wantads and internet. I came across one ad "Free Kittens".
So, it is now 10:30 Christmas morning -- who in their right mind would disturb someone on Christmas morning
for something so crazy as a kitten? I debated and dialed the number. On the other end of the phone an energetic
voice said "hello"! My reply was Merry Christmas! -- and I proceeded to ask her if she had any kittens left. Sadly
she said no, they all went fast. We visited for a bit and just as we were ready to hang up, she said "were
you looking for a baby kitten"? I began to tell her our story. You see, it didn't matter the age,
the color, the size.. What really mattered was the 'connection' -- the 'sparkles' -- between the cat and Justin.
As promised this friendly voice returned my call around five Christmas night. She invited us to
her farm to see if one of her cats could become Justin's friend. When we arrived at her farm, she met us at the door
with a cat. She handed it to my son and he put it down. It was just a cat. She picked up another, gave him
a little history and handed it to him. He put it down, it was just a cat. Then, at once, sparkles flew... sparkles
that could be seen, heard and felt! As she turned around with an orange fluff of fur, my son's eyes lit up and the smile
was bigger than I've seen in months. Charlie was handed to Justin and immediately put his head on Justin's shoulder
and made himself a new friend. A week later, Charlie now considers himself 'King' of our household!!
Why am I sharing this story? Because I am a huge believer in sharing lessons I've learned and
barriers I've overcome.... in hopes that others can benefit from them.
True sparks come from within when one steps back long enough to listen to the signs given ~Rhonda
