Mixed bag

 

July was a mixed bag. I loved being back to work at the hospital and having a sense of normalcy return.  This is my 17th year working as Musician-in-Residence at the hospital and by far the most meaningful work I have done in my life.  In my first days back to work, it was a mixture of feeling like I was starting over and at the same time, like I had never been gone. I'm sure you all have feel this way before. 

Another big change in my life is that my beloved cat, Jasper died on July 12th. He had been ill for many years but with medication, his symptoms were under control. Since January this year, I thought I would lose him but he bounced back every time. Except for the last time. I took a risk and agreed for him to undergo emergency surgery. They found a tumor which meant he likely had cancer. He stayed in emergency vet for 3 days before it became evident he could not overcome this last health crises. So, with great sadness, I let him go. He was in my life 15 years and lived with me in 3 different places. He was born in my loft apartment in rural Virginia on a farm.  I think his happiest times may have been my newest home where he spent many hours on his perch in the window. Life is quiet without him but change is the only thing we can count on. 

So that's what I meant by the title of this post, mixed bag.  It seems life moves in a series of dualities. On the one hand, happy to be back to work on my favorite job. On the other hand, sad to have lost a dear fury friend and family member. 

I wonder how things have been for all of you? Feel free to comment below. Are things steady or rocky or how are they for you? However it is, I do hope you are all happy and staying healthy. 

Thanks for stopping by. 

The artwork pictured above is a collage I started before I knew Jasper was leaving me. I finished it on the day Jasper died. The vets game me a clay imprint of his paws and you can see the blue pencil rubbings of them in the upper right corner under the rainbow bridge. I put a bird by his paws too. He so much loved watching them, now he is flying with them. Fly on, dear Jasper.