Night nurse considers getting healthy

Three years ago, I had just met the man who is now my husband. I had one cat, the determined Harrison, formerly Oliver, who had moved into my home from the neighbor’s back yard and was steadily bringing around his mother, brothers, and every stray in the neighborhood.

I had Clark, the ancient Christmas cactus, bestowed upon me by aunt, and a selection of coleus and succulents in various states of living and dying throughout the small home I’d owned for 12 years.

Now, I am married, and living with my husband and aunt in our new home of 2 years. Harrison and one of his strays, Nattie, have been joined by two yearlings, Marlee and Gordy, and the two dowager sisters, Sally and Cleo, belonging to Louise. Louise also brought two dogs, Babe and Dobbie, and her 3 horses along with mine. It’s a full home! The cats we lost in the move and especially in the last year, oh Max, are commemorated in Sadie’s Garden with lights and sunflowers.

The plant collection has expanded, contracted, propagated, died out and been replaced. Clark still presides among many others I am either hopefully or hopelessly trying to keep alive. My mom comes twice a year to bless the survivors with love and fresh pots.

Cory and I are deep in the complexities of renovation and addition, adding a garage and an apartment for Louise. The vet is going to retire on the ongoing needs of Louise’s pets, and we’re getting very good at dosing 2 cats and 2 dogs morning and night.

The house sits auspiciously on the corner of Harmony and Coronado, with a sunrise view of Mt Blanca and sunset over the San Juans. Despite the many losses, there is far more joy.