It's 2:45am, Has Anyone Fed The Cat?

I awoke to a screaming feline and told her to go away for a half an hour before I made my way downstairs in the dark.

Has anyone fed the cat? The dog? The fish? What about the turtle and the chicken? Yes, I said CHICKEN. This girl who grew up in New York City actually has a chicken now, of all things. You remember that sweet movie, "We Bought A Zoo?" Well, my father always laments, "We don't have to go there, we can just visit your house."

So how did this happen? My middle son is an animal lover and science enthusiast. Heck, he's into everything and quite bright. He's got things growing and hatching everywhere. In my attempts to nurture each boy to the fullest, I have caved into the pet ownership thing with him. Oh, he adores them, talks to them and is probably more responsible than a lot of eight year olds, but like any other kid who's having fun, he's got to be reminded to take care of his responsibilities. Guess who has these critters following her around the house when he's in school?

There are times I feel a little bit sorry for him too, because he is so conversant and even extra-ordinary in some ways. Being born after my oldest was diagnosed with Autism is not always the easiest position to be in, and now he's the middle child to boot. There's a lot that's silently expected of him, because he is the conversant one, and the easy-going on. It's easy to forget he's just eight years old, especially since he's really become the big brother in this situation and he has matured faster than I can keep up with. Having a brother who is autistic has created in him a very compassionate and patient person and I can see why these tiny animals (and people) flock to him in return.

And so, I make concessions I never thought I would. And now this Brooklyn-born girl has a pet in the yard named "Chicken Dinner." And I am grateful.

May You Always See The Blessings...