Monday, July 7, 2014

Living with Luce




I threw out a lot of butter. You know how you sometimes need to soften the butter before baking? I would put it in a covered butter dish, lay a dishtowel over it and then put bowls and pots around the edges. Then I would get distracted and return to the kitchen to see an impossibly furry tail under the dish towel and the sounds of happy lip-smacking.

I'd use my stern, Darth Vader voice, "Luuuuuuuce,,,"

And this little binky-face would look at me - whiskers all glistening from butter crumbs and a nose and lips moistened by fat.

I learned to lock up the butter in the china cabinet.



I threw out flour, sugar, cornstarch and salt. And turned the chairs around effectively keeping Luce in jail.


He enjoyed caviar.



And he never got terribly big. So you always had to check the back of the dishwasher before you closed it.


And he got away with every mischievous thing a cat can do - because he made everyone smile.


He was front and center for rehearsals in my home. And if an actor suddenly darted down - we knew that actor was rubbing Luce's tummy.


Luce learned from Pip how to lay on my laptop and become the quintessential "writer's block."


And even at 22 months - his fur and whiskers pointed in many directions giving him the appearance of Einstein.


I'm glad he had his butter and caviar escapades. My daughter posted, "You think you get years. But sometimes you get months. And in those months they become family." And if 20 months ago, I knew the outcome - if 20 months ago - I knew I would only get 20 months and then there would be pieces of my heart a bit crumbly and wobbly - I'd do it all over again. I'd bring little "wild-boy-found-in-the-woods" into our home (and hearts) because living with Luce was a confection. Living with Luce was monkeyshine and mayhem. Living with Luce was adventures in the sand - pieces of seashells from other places and other times. Living with Luce was love. 



16 comments:

Beth said...

A lovely tribute. The broken heart is always worth the love and the laughter, but it doesn't diminish the pain. I am so sorry for your loss.

We Are Not Martha said...

He is sooo adorable! And I'm so, so sorry for your loss :(

Glad your time with him was so special!

Sues

owlmoon said...

I always find it a humbling gift that we are given the greatest blessing to care for these gentle, loving, albeit maddening, beings for even a moment of time.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

My heart broke when I read your story of Luce. I'm so so sorry Claudia. My only children were four-legged ones and it's never easy.

Big hugs coming your way.
Sam

Mary Bergfeld said...

I am so sorry, Claudia.

Mister Meatball said...

Very, very sorry to hear.

Ciao Chow Linda said...

I am so sorry you lost your sweet mischievous Luce. I loved reading about his escapades. His time was short here on Earth but he was loved.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Oh, I'm so sorry about Luce! I know you feel his loss keenly. I always loved reading about him, and greatly enjoyed the pictures you shared. You'll never forget him, nor will we. Thanks for such a lovely tribute.

Angie's Recipes said...

o no..Claudia...I am so very sorry to hear about this..how could that be? :-((((
(((HUG)))
Angie

Pam said...

How sad, I'm sorry for your loss! He was adorable for sure and I can imagine how much you miss him. This is a great tribute to the little guy, and I admire you, that you could write it...

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I was so sad to read on facebook that you lost your special friend. Luce was a remarkable cat with such a wonderful personality. He will always be in your heart!

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

I fell in love with Luce too in your tribute to your precious little friend. I'm sorry for your loss of this young one.

Catherine said...

Dear Claudia, I am sorry for your broken heart. I will keep you in my prayers. Blessings dear. Catherine xo

Frank said...

Furry friends are the best.

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...

It hard to get over a best friend.. sorry to see this precious one leave the world.. great memories to be cherished I;m sure.. hugs

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

I'm so sorry for your loss... What a beautiful ode to Luce.

Cheers,

Rosa