WashijaGrowing old is inevitable. For some of us, it may seem like a destination on an uncharted horizon, but that destination will arrive sooner or later. Lucky are those who get to grow old with their companion. But there are also people like Fran Swayze, who lives with her cat named Bandit in an old age home. Fran rescued him from a shelter and since then the duo has been inseparable.
Until one night, when Fran noticed Bandit behaving oddly. He sat by the front door and kept meowing at something on the other side. At first, Fran didn’t open the door assuming Bandit wanted to go out for a walk and it was already past 9 pm. But when Bandit didn’t quiet down, Fran gave in. As soon as she opened the door, Bandit ran outside instantly and disappeared into the night. Fran rushed behind, desperately looking for her cat. Little did she know, on that icy winter night as she called out for Bandit, she will come face to face with an unbelievable sight.
Warm Morning
The sun rays poured inside through the cracks in the blinds. Waking up in the morning is no longer a challenge for Fran. She wakes up without the need to rub the sleep away from her eyes. Her dreams are not just forgotten but completely erased from her mind. Looking forward to starting her day, Fran dragged her feet off the bed into her slippers resting by her bed.
Phases Of Grief
After Fran lost her husband, she went through phases of grief. At first, it was denial. Then acceptance, which took a lot out of her. She couldn’t sleep in her bed for a really long time. Then came recovery, where she didn’t want to get out of bed. And now she has moved on. She has learned to live her life, despite the loss. That’s what her husband would have wanted for her after all.
Old Age Home
Buena Vista Seniors Community. Fran didn’t notice when she started calling this place home. Initial years were difficult, but gradually she learned to be on her own. She even made friends with a few people here and began to enjoy her time. Things got easier when Bandit came into her life. Bandit is her cat that she rescued last year.
Finding A Companion
Around the summer of last year, Fran had been thinking about getting a pet. She knew her mind will be busy and having a companion will be healing for her. Even though she has made her peace with being alone after losing her husband, it is not always easy to be on her own. It took her years to get used to sleeping in an empty bed. She assumed getting a pet will be good for her.
Deciding To Adopt
She was a firm believer in adopting animals instead of buying them from stores. Providing a home for an animal in need is the best thing anyone can do for them. They just need to be loved and cared for. So Fran decided to visit a local shelter and take a look around. She didn’t have anything in her mind beforehand. She knew once she sees it, she will know it is hers.
The Shelter
As decided, Fran walked inside the shelter with zero expectations. She began to look around the cages which kept different kinds of dogs and cats. Some of the cages also had rabbits. Fran knew she is too old for a dog. they have crazy energy and need a lot of care, one which she won’t be able to provide as an elderly lady who lives in an old age home.