Dearest Friend of Tux,
The sounds and sights of early July can be summed up in two words: loud and sparkly.
The assessment is accurate every year as the USA celebrates the anniversary of its independence. Of course, this year was a special anniversary so everything celebratory was turned up a notch or two.
The weeks surrounding Independence Day in the mid-Atlantic region this year were filled with a symphony of loud noises: cannon fire; fireworks; emergency alerts, and thunderclaps.
My family and I experienced all four of those sounds (and their accompanying flash and sparkle) all in a matter of two hours on July 4th. It was indeed a memorable— though rather intense—holiday.
How does this connect to our dear gentleman, Tux, you ask?
Well, I’d argue that the same two words used to describe early July apply equally well to dear Tux, with a very different impact on those in his vicinity.
Tux’s purr is loud enough to overpower a conference table full of people. And for those who know and love him, Tux’s sparkle outshines the most brilliant fireworks display.
For all the adrenaline and awe brought on by the July 4th fireworks display, Tux can counter with his calming purr and senior sparkle.
After a fun but exhausting holiday weekend with family, Tux managed to soothe my soul and reset my focus for the week ahead in a shorter span of time than the fireworks display I had watched thirty-six hours earlier.
It was Monday morning, and the Tabby’s Place staff and volunteers had assembled in the Community Room for the morning meeting. Ginny had arrived and settled at her desk with Tux curled up in the neighboring window (as in the photo to the left). The meeting had started, and we were learning about all the updates for the week, but all I could focus on was the amazingly loud cycle of cat purrs coming from our dear Tux.
One by one, each person in the room began to turn their heads in search of the source of the sound and, once identified, make eye contact with another person in the room and smile. It was truly magical, awe-inspiring, and simply beautiful. That is the power of Tux’s purr.
Tux has always had a special sparkle, and I’ve noted it before. As he ages, his sparkle has evolved. He may not trot around the room as often as he did, but he still stretches up his scratching post for a full extension, paws at his water bowl before taking a drink, laps at a squeeze treat with speedy enthusiasm, and gazes into your soul with love and kindness.
Tux purrs at top volume because he knows he is loved. Thank you for keeping Tux sparkling every month of the year!
Your correspondent,
Lisa