After an absence

Sometimes, only one person is missing, and the whole world seems depopulated.

- Alphonse de Lamartine -

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Being on holiday is one of my most valued activities, it allows me to create new experiences, be a more relaxed version of myself and to create memories I'll carry forward and recall at some later point. Drawing on valued memories makes my present happier and inspires me to keep paddling to keep my head above water in those moments I'm in peril of sinking.

There's a downside to travelling though and that's how much I miss my cats.

I only have one now, the lovely Cleo whom you see pictured nestled between my legs above; she is an incredibly important part of my life. I speak to her more than most humans and like her more than most humans. Maybe you'd need to have the same relationship with a pet to understand.

Cleo, and the cats I've had in the past, Merlin, Gemmi and Dixie, have always seemed to know when I'm about to travel. They get clingy, as if they want to soak up as much me as they can before I leave, or maybe cause me not to leave.

Merlin used to jump into my suitcase as I was packing and refused to move so I'd just pack clothes around him smile and talk to him; I didn't mind, he could get away with anything. Cleo did the same prior to this trip and I stopped packing, picked her up and we cuddled. I spoke softly to her and she talked back in her own way. We do this a lot, cuddle and talk, but it felt different knowing I'd not see her for a couple of weeks.

Travelling always fills me with excitement, a sense of adventure, and I find it so very valuable as it seems to reach down into my soul and feeds the true essence of who I am, however there's a tinge of sadness knowing I'll miss my cats so much, Cleo in this case, the entire time.

Is it strange for a man of my age to have and watch videos of Cleo on my phone when I'm away? I don't think so, and...don't care if it is.

I'm unashamedly dependant upon that little creature and no matter where I go or what I do, she makes coming home a special moment. Having her in my arms, the obvious relief I can feel in her at having me home, is something special and one of the very best parts about coming home whether it's from a holiday or a day at work.

I miss her right now; I know, you might not understand. I really do miss her very much though, and am looking forward to seeing her and having her face snuggling into my neck the moment I arrive home.

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I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one on the planet who feels this way; how about you? How do you handle being away from your pets and how do they handle it? Merlin used to pretend to be annoyed with me for five minutes when I returned home from holiday but very quickly came over for cuddles; Cleo dives right in for kisses and cuddles. How about yours? Feel free to comment below and let me know how you and your pets interact after an absence.