Indy’s Lesson for the Week

Indy (above) drinking lemonade at a fancy restaurant.

 “You need to be grateful. All you think about is food.” Indy’s little voice trailed from her room and drew my curiosity. 

I’d called in sick to work, something that is extremely hard for me to do. And I’d been lying in bed moments before, feverish and dwelling on the fact that I’ve been sick every single day for over two years. Yes, we’ve gotten good news, but I’m still in the midst of this battle and sometimes that’s hard.

“I’m serious,” Indy said to her cat. She had her back to me and her curls and the big bun on the top of her head bounced as she talked. “I guess if you’re ungrateful it really is my fault. You need to see an example—I should show you how grateful I am.” Indy pointed to an apron that’s proudly displayed by her dresser.

“You see that apron?” she asked her cat. “It represents hours of hard work! But you know what? I won first place in a contest for that thing. So it helps me remember that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. And I’m grateful for that.”

Nova, Indy’s tortoiseshell cat, just meowed as if she didn’t have a care in the world.

“Now, tell me something that you’re grateful for,” Indy prompted, but Nova simply flopped on her side before licking her limp paws.

“Don’t you give me those Puss-‘n’-Boots eyes!” Indy giggled. “Tell me something you’re grateful for.”

Nova finally sashayed over to her dry food. She sniffed at it, stuck her nose in the air, and placed her paw on an unopened can of wet food.

“Oh, Nova! I just said all you think about is food.” Indy paused as if deep in thought. “But…at least you have something to be grateful for. It is a start.”

Indy stood and prepared to turn—but I didn’t want her to know I’d been snooping.

“Mama?” she asked, as I tried to dart past the door.

“Oh! Hi, Indy!” I said, peeking my head in and smiling. “What are you up to?”

“Just trying to teach Nova how to be grateful. Boy, do I have my work cut out for me.”

I laughed and nodded. Little did Indy know, she’d said the exact words that I needed to hear. It’s always a good time to be grateful—even if it is for wet cat food.