A love letter to a cat? Why not? At least Andrew thought it might work. This is an actual love letter written by a boy to his cat.
But before you read the letter, you must understand this about the cat. She is about as affectionate as a cactus. And besides, she goes to great lengths to avoid Andrew. She would rather sleep the day away in one of her many hiding places scattered throughout the boy’s house than be near him. And on one of those rare occasions when she makes an appearance, he can forget about touching her. If he never has anything to do with her, that is all right by the cat.
The boy tries his best to be nice. He looks for her, searching the house for an occupied hiding place, and feels abundantly grateful if he should stumble upon his treasure. He is occasionally allowed to stroke her once or twice before she flits off. He even feeds her, hoping to eventually win her confidence and perhaps even a bit of affection. But he is seldom rewarded with anything like attention.
Now that you know something about the cat, whose name is Mehitabel, by the way, what about the love letter? It was found next to the cat’s food dish. This is what it said:
“To cat (he couldn’t spell Mehitabel): I love you. Before you love me I will love you more. Love, Andrew. Meow!”
I admire his love for a cat that will not return it. I love you. Before you love me I will love you more. That is the kind of patient love of, perhaps, a parent for a child.
Or anyone persistently waiting for love to be returned. It’s single-minded. Persevering.
And I think there’s something spiritual about an unrequited love. It’s a little like the dogged love of God for people everywhere.
There is also something beautifully excessive about a love that says before you love me I will love you more. And to be a little excessive in love is probably okay.
Thank you for teaching us, Andrew.
-- Steve Goodier
