Last Night with Lucy

Hurricane Rita was a big storm.  It was the most intense hurricane ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico.  That was enough to scare a bunch of us at Landscape Art.  We gathered 30+ people in a dozen cars and trucks.  We loaded up children, pets and belongings and headed for Austin.

Rita turned north and fizzled over the next few days, but the evacuation effort resulted in 90 deaths.  Fortunately, our group was safe, and we returned on Sunday.  Anita and I went to check on the Landscape Art office/shop in League City.  As we walked around the property, we heard a meow from a pile of empty pots.  Anita went in to gather some food to coax the cat out.  And I sat down. 

Within a few seconds this dirty, tiny cat with a scratched-up nose emerged.  She walked over, crawled into my lap, and purred up a storm.  For future reference to other cats in the universe…that pretty much seals the deal.  She became our office cat, our mascot, and our work companion for 16+ years.

We named her Lucky Lucy because we thought she was lucky to find us.  Turns out, we were the lucky ones.

For the first several years, she was a force, though she never topped eight pounds.  In the early mornings, she would dart about the yard while the guys were loading trucks and equipment.  She would jump on machines, jump on trailers, and jump on people.

Lucy loved socializing and would attend meetings totally engaged.  She would head-butt guests and, if proper attention was not offered, she would reach out and paw a reminder.  If petted, Lucy would reciprocate with intense licking.

For a number of years, I worked late with some regularity.  Lucy was my companion.  She would lay on my desk and sometimes retrieve a stuffed toy or two.  If I had thinking to do, I would gather her in my arms and walk circles around the office dissecting whatever the issue of the day might be.

One of those nights, it snowed.  I had been typing on the computer for several hours with my head down.  About 9:00, I finished, picked up Lucy for a walk and started circling.  I looked out the window into the parking lot and it was white.  My car was white.  Everything was white.  Three or four inches of crystalline snow had fallen in total silence.  We’re in Galveston County, so the surprise and the beauty took my breath away.  I was like a three-year old on Christmas morning.  I hugged Lucy a little closer and we marveled at the sight.

Over the years, Lucy slowed down.  She stopped venturing into the tool yard.  She didn’t jump for the joy of jumping.  She quit attending every meeting.  However, Lucy did not lose her hold on us. 

Anita stated that Lucy may be the most beloved cat of all time.  She has greeted and pestered hundreds of office visitors over the years.  She embedded herself into the texture of our company in a way that’s hard to describe. 

Yesterday was Lucy’s last day at the office.  She officially retired from her duties. Many of those at the office saying goodbye have never known Landscape Art without Lucy.  However, she will forever exist on our screen savers and in our hearts.

Last night with Lucy, there was no snow.  She slept in my lap for several hours.  It was our time.  It was our last time.  It was my last night with Lucy.