My Girlfriend Isis ...

I met my girlfriend in 1999 September in Indian Head, Saskatchewan. I didn't care I was married, I needed a companion desperately. This was a time of high stress for me. I was in treatment once again dealing with my old foe, alcoholism. A family member was fortunate enough to be sent to this facility for 28 days and because I was an immediate family relative, I was designated to attend one week of intense treatment to deal with the deadly illness. Very much like the monster I am dealing with now!

I met Isis at the treatment facility the very first day of the sessions. We met on the front steps as I was looking east and watching the sun rise on that wonderful September morning on the prairies. I was actually praying to God at the moment, asking for strength to get through the sessions in the week, praying for health of my family member and just saying the Serenity Prayer to myself. Isis came from around the corner. She was cold and wanted to be held. So we did and I felt like God touch me for a moment because all my worries disappeared for a few seconds.

The week went by as it was supposed to. It was emotionally draining, however, I was able to talk to Isis during the week and when we met I seemed to gain strength from her warmth and her eyes. When she looked at me, I knew she loved me!

How was I going to tell my wife "A"? I had to. I asked "A" on that Thursday if I could bring home a friend and to my surprise the answer was yes. So I brought my girlfriend home to meet my wife and she (the girlfriend) has been with me ever since. Isis is my calico cat. She is blonde, brunette and redhead, all in one! She is gorgeous and has helped me immensely througout the years.

And she continues to help me by being a conduit to a Higher Power. When I am lying down on the couch, praying to my Higher Power, asking for strength, guidance and acceptance, Isis is usually on my chest purring. A very long time ago, when I was 7 or 8, my Aunt Mary told me that when cats are purring, they are actually praying to God. I am not sure why that statement stuck with me. I can still remember the moment. Isn't that strange. So when my girlfriend lays her head on my chest and prays with me, I am OK.

Isis ... I love you and I love you too "A".