The Tao Of Daisy

Two weeks ago, we had to make a difficult decision to say goodbye to my children’s other mother, Daisy. Daisy was 18 years old—and has been just about the only constant in my children’s lives. Between our incessant moving, health and other various life crises, Daisy was the constant, the calm in every life storm.

She could soothe my children in a way of which their mother is totally incapable. She was part of the family before my children were. She seemed to think Ethan was her own kitten from the time we brought him home from the hospital until the time he carried her to the animal hospital for the last time.

I’ve owned a lot of cats in my lifetime and Daisy was unique among them. She, like my son has always been an old, wise soul. And as much as I complain about our house being overrun by cats, she is, and will continue to be deeply missed. Here’s to you Miss Daisy. See you on the other side.

As a coping mechanism for us all, I started writing the Tao of Daisy during her final days. It is a tribute to the deep wisdom and touch of mysticism that embodied her existence:

Tao of Daisy

The origin of the cat is unknown. It is the ultimate mystery and is important because it is mysterious. Cats are by nature mysterious. Were the origin to be known, it would cease to be a mystery and the cat would cease to be a cat. Therefore do not seek what cannot be known. Rather, pet the cat before you.
All things come from and return to the Mother Cat. If you believe you came from elsewhere you are mistaken. You did not begin until the cat chose you. You will have no end until the cat is finished with you.
Your Mother Cat protects you. Sometimes with her claws, sometimes with her tail. And sometimes she attacks you with her claws or her tail. Accept such with humility, for you deserved the chastisement.

When faced with a decision of great import, find a warm, soft place. Curl up and let the nap of deciding envelope you. If, when you wake, you are still undecided, return to the nap.

If the view from your window is snowy, stay on the warm side of the glass.
When faced with great danger, hide. When you emerge, if the danger lingers, hide longer.

Tuna comes to the patient cat. If patience is prolonged, the provider is at fault and must be chastised.
Do not accept a dish that is less than half full. The wise cat must be still and stare until the bowl is filled.