Today is the third Saturday in October which means it’s Sweetest Day.
Origins
From what I could find while surfing the net, Sweetest Day was first celebrated in Cleveland in 1922. It was started by Herbert Birch Kingston who wanted to do something nice for underprivileged people such as orphans and the sick. He decided to take them candy to brighten their lives. (In addition to having a philanthropic heart he also happened to work for a candy company.)
Well, candy companies have seen a way to help them sell some more product, so they’re all about promoting the day now.
What I Thought It Was
Until now I thought Sweetest Day had to do with being sweet as in disposition, not necessarily sweets as in the confection. Learned something new.
I guess I can still interpret it as I see fit and as I had originally planned, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
My Version of Sweetest Day
It’s trying to be as sweet to my loved ones as they are to me. And you know who’s sweetest to me of all? Murphy, Kitty, and Tabby.
Their Version of Sweetness
• Murphy has the sweetest way of waking me up in the mornings. He knows I can get a little cranky with too rambunctious of a good morning hello, so he very gently sidles up to me before tenderly nudging my hand with his head to provoke a pet.
• In his early years, Kitty had the sweetest way of curling atop my head every night and giving me a scalp massage. He hadn’t been doing it much in the last couple of years, but the past couple of weeks he’s returned to his old massage therapist ways. It is the most delightful feeling and there’s something very sweet, tender, and gentle about it.
• Tabby’s also extraordinarily sweet when it comes to mornings. She likes to perch on my tummy (or side, depending on how I’m laying) until I wake up. Once I do, it’s okay to have one hand petting Murphy, but the other one better be stroking her fur too!
Being Sweet Back to Them
• Murph loves long walks and his belly scratched. (a.ka. belly rubbin’ lovin’.) He can expect both today in spades.
• Kitty and Tabby both adore Pounces, so they’ll find a generous helping of those in their bowls.
• All three will also get some individual mommy time. I’ll play with Mr. Meow and his blue wormy (his new favorite toy) as long as he wants. I’ll chase Murph in the backyard and play tugga tugga with his shaky toy a little longer than normal. I’ll throw Tabby’s wiffie for her to chase until she gets tired of playing the game for a change.
Questions for Readers
Do you have any plans for celebrating Sweetest Day today? Who’s the sweetest sweet in your life?
Related Articles
“What Kind of Dog Is That?”: Why I Love My Pound Hound
Kitty Quirks: The Funny Ways He Says “I Love You”