I want one of those Maine Coon cats.
Daddy gets stuck on things and repeats himself without knowing it. For the past few weeks he has obsessed over adopting a Maine Coon cat.
“I want one of those Maine Coon cats,” he says several times during one conversation.
“Those are beautiful cats,” I usually respond.
“Yeah, but your mother won’t let me get one.”
“Why?”
“‘Cause I wouldn’t take keer of it.”
“Well if you did get one, what would you name it?”
“Beehonkus.”
Yesterday on the phone I asked Daddy if he had received the card I sent.
“I don’t remember, let me check. LYNN, DID I GET A CARD FROM BOBBIN TODAY?!?!” he screamed while ruffling through some papers on the counter. “Oh yeah, the one with the horse on it.”
I recently stocked up on cards with inspirational quotes to mail Mother and Daddy, like the aforementioned horse card with a Gandhi quote:
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
“Oh good, I’m glad you got it,” I winced, hoping that Daddy at least derived pleasure from opening the envelope and reading my note before forgetting it.
“I want one of those Maine Coon cats.”
“Those are beautiful cats,” I said as if hearing Daddy’s idea for the first time.
I understand Daddy’s desire to adopt another cat; after all, animals provide stress relief and comfort. Now that Daddy spends so much time at home, he has grown closer to the dogs. Throwing the squeaky toys with them outside seems to be one of the few activities that brings him joy – aside from eating hot dogs and sleeping. I guess everyone in the family, including the pets, is making an extra effort to bond with Daddy before he slips away.
Hot Dog Beehonkus 
I think Daddy wants a Maine Coon cat because I was so insistent about adopting one about a year ago. It’s funny that he’s thinking about it now, though! I wish Mother and Daddy had a cat now, but I guess I’m glad we’re being spared the name Beehonkus.
I wondered if your obsession with Leo last year inspired Daddy’s Maine Coon fever. It was sort of sad because when Mother redid the boiler room, she removed Lily’s litterbox.
I had a friend with a Maine Coon cat obsession for a while there. I think it’s a common thing (right up there with porn). Thanks for sharing the laugh, Bobbin!
Hahaha! Thank YOU for the laugh. A sense of humor is essential, right?