Cats and Kids

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So today was my ‘sleep-in’ day, a chance to recuperate and make up for my week of late nights. This was going to fix my sleep deprivation for another few days. Yes, blissful sleep---glorious sheets and cozy comforter.

And so the morning began with a shrill ring. Was I dreaming? No, in fact it was the telephone. After four rings I managed to stumble over the cold ceramic floor and pick up the receiver. The young man on the other end politely asked for my daughter. I slowly turned around and gazed at the clock, and immediately blurted out "Is this an emergency?’ He answered "No", my next question was "Do you know what time it is? It’s 4:00 a.m.?" "Oh" he answered, and then followed with "Is this her Mom?" Through my sleepy and croaky voice I answered "Yes, it is and no I’m not waking her at this time of the night!" Thus ended the call and I trundled back to bed to pick up where I left off. The pillow was still warm and was so inviting.

Too soon I hear the cat walking around the room, her nails clicking on the hardwood floor. Wandering around exploring corners she has slept in every day for the last 11 years. And then she stops and has to have a few scratches on the bed-- of course right next to where my head was sinking farther into the pillow. Just when I think she has settled down for the rest of the night I hear her in the hallway, hacking and gagging. The plight of another hairball stuck in her throat. Yes a couple more good ‘gag’ reflexes and up it comes. There, now we can both relax and sleep for a few more hours.

Bang!! The fridge door shakes me out of my dreams. Dear daughter number one is up and preparing her breakfast for her early morning shift at work. Somehow teenagers have a built in 'klutz' program when parents are still tucked into their beds. Pots clang, dishes rattle and silverware is fired from the farthest corner of the kitchen to land in the stainless steel sink. Next thing I hear her tiptoeing through the bedroom to retrieve something from my make-up bag, which of course happens to be in the small off-suite bathroom. Her footsteps sound much louder at 6:00 a.m.-- something like the Jolly Green Giant tromping through a field of bean stalks. You know the sound -- sort of like a freight train whizzing past at trundle speed. So now after all her preparations are complete I hear the back door slam and her car roar off down the street. Ahhh, time to relax again.

What, it can’t be another phone call-- or perhaps it is just in my dreams! No, it really is ringing. OK, this time it has to be important. Quickly I search for the receiver only to pick it up on the last ring and hear "Click".

All right, time to try this again . There are still a few hours of good sleeping time left. I’m determined to make the best of what ever hours are left, squeeze in a few more 'shuteye' opportunities. Tucked in once again and just drifting off when I hear the cat come wandering into the room. Quickly I close my eyes because if I make eye contact she will know I'm awake. Too late, she glimpses my eyes fluttering and immediately heads over to my side of the bed. The purring begins!! It starts as a soft low purr and pretty soon it’s a dull roar-- only inches from my ear. Her big almond eyes stare at me- unblinking- willing me to open my eyes. Willing me to get up and fill her dish with breakfast. How can I ignore the plight of a starving feline- even though I know she ate not many hours ago and a few missed meals wouldn’t shrink her over plump body? I know that my attempts to ignore her will go unheeded. I know, because she is relentless with her purring and begging eyes. We have played this skit before.

Alas, I give up. Today is not meant to be a sleep-in day after all. Alas, sleep deprivation will be with me for another week. Perhaps some fresh coffee will make up for the early hour, perhaps the caffeine will induce a buzz and make me forget about the warm comfy duvet. Perhaps!?!

Yawn!! I think it’s time for a nap!!