When Wayne gave me my Christmas gift (a camera) a little early last year I was super excited. I knew it spelled trouble for Murphy, Mr. Meow, and Tabby because I’m snap happy. Being the proud mom I am I think everything they do or every pose they make is worthy of a click. As it turns out it’s a good thing I’m that way.
Goodbye for a While
When my sister called in the middle of March to tell me about our mom being admitting to the hospital I knew I was going to be away from home for a while. I knew I’d be away from the kitty hugs and puppy dog kisses that keep me going in daily life.
As much as I wanted to take them with me I knew I couldn’t. Not physically. But there had to be a way to carry their spirit with me besides just in my heart.
Packing the Essentials
Then I remembered the camera.
Even though I’m Ms. Snap Happy at home, I often forget to bring the camera along with me when we travel or go sightseeing. Yet this time I knew I must not forget it. While I wasn’t planning on taking pictures, I had a bunch of pictures and video of my zoo crew that I’d be able to look at any time I wanted –all at the press of a button.
Nighttime Routine
Every night as I settled down to fall asleep I got out my camera and looked at every picture I’d taken of my kids in the three months that I’ve owned my camera. Since I couldn’t kiss them goodnight like I normally would, this was the next best thing.
Seeing their faces instantly calmed my heart and put a smile on my face. No matter how stressful or trying the day had been, as they do when I’m home with them they comforted me, via that camera.
The Gray Bar
Even better was the video I had of the cats playing in their huts, chasing their Wiggy Wand, and Murph doing his “Stick ‘em up!” trick. However, it didn’t take me long to learn about the gray bar.
It measured how long the video would last and how much was left once it started running. Some bars were long, others far too short. I tried not to look at the gray bar because I didn’t want to be reminded that was all I had –a certain amount of time to get my live-action fix.
Thank Goodness for Replay
But even when the gray bar came to the end, if I wanted all I had to do was hit play again. Which I did. Again. And again. And again.
My camera got a lot of use during the almost two weeks separation I had to endure from my brood that’s for sure. Not because I added new pics but because I recalled all the old ones. It became the most precious gift I could have ever received.
Related Articles
Code Red: Planning for Pets When Emergencies Call You Away
Planning for Pets When Emergencies Call You Away: A Checklist
Related Blogs
Photo credit: 
Standard restrictions apply for use of this photo.