Dear Grok
Dear Grok,
Since you’re a cat and I’m a human being, it seemed strange at first when visitors said that we looked alike. Still, it happened several times that they studied our blue eyes and fair complexions and then blurted out, “It’s obvious that you are family!” Jokingly, of course, but with a touch of seriousness.
And now, we have yet another thing in common…
I don’t think I ever told you, but as a young man, I left relationships a few times when I feared that my girlfriend was more interested in another boy. Heartbroken, I quietly sneaked out the back door, grumbling, “I knew that this would happen.”
Who would have guessed that you one day would react in the same way?
I confess that I was enthralled when she, being just the size of my shoe, was playing war. It was priceless to watch the way she was hiding and attacking, trying to look big and scary while skipping sideways on all fours. I was charmed by her wide open, innocent eyes, her ridiculously oversized ears, and her cute little tail.
I was so focused on her that I didn’t notice that you were watching us from a distance, feeling left out, neglected and abandoned.
I should have invited you in.
Next morning, when I couldn’t find you, I remembered and understood. I wanted to tell you that I never intended to replace you with her. Neither for her youth and attraction, nor as a punishment for what happened to my rattan chairs. You will always belong in my heart!
Did I ever tell you how I found your name? When you came to my house, I was reading Stranger in a Strange Land by the science fiction writer Robert Heinlein. The book is about a fascinating man who comes from the planet Mars to Earth. He introduces the philosophy of the word “grok,” which has many symbolic meanings, such as, “to merge,” “to join,” “to become one.”
From the moment I first saw you, I knew that “Grok” was your name.
Please come back home, Grok!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleInter-species understanding of belonging in a warm and funny story. Let’s all get more grok in our lives!
This is heartbreaking Christer. Is it based on a true story? We had a cat who went missing just over two years ago, Spyro. We still miss him every day. We think someone took him though; he was very contented with his life ????
Yes, Carrie, it’s a true story. My beloved Grok, who was with us for eight years, left us two days after we took in a little stray kitten. I thought that they would be friends and appreciate each others’ company, but he preferred to leave. Since you have the same experience, you know how it is. Still, sometimes they suddenly show up again, even after a long time. Let’s hope that both… Read more »
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleLet us both keep hope in our hearts. After Spyro went missing my hubby built a 30’ x 10’ catio in the back garden to keep the remaining 6 safe. Unfortunately, we lost one of the 18 year olds to cancer last year. We can’t keep them safe from old age and disease unfortunately, though we did our best for him.
This is a heartbreaking story, Christer. When our furry little friends disappear there is a hole left in our hearts, I believe. It’s one that never completely fills in again! They are family as much as humans are, and sometimes more so.
Yes Melissa. Grok was an important part of my daily routines, and it feels strange that he isn’t around any more. The new, little girl kitten, which we call Anny, is very nice and cute, but I miss Grok’s energy and presence. Thanks for commenting.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleBeing a very cat orientated person and “Mom” of two wonderful but geriatric cats, I can only absolutely love your story! It made me think about the empathy our felines feel for us. I just hope that Grok came home eventually…
Thank you, Greene, for your nice words. It’s true that the cats that we take in become part of the family and bond with us in a very profound way. It’s strange though that some of them seem to have the instinct to leave when a new one shows up. I talked to my vet who was not at all surprised. I doubt it that Grok will come back, three weeks after… Read more »
As a cat lover (with one very bossy female cat at home) I could really relate to this story, told so affectionately, but so poignant at the same time. I think you captured that love we can have for our feline friends (rulers) so well.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYes, Paul, as you wisely point out, cats sometimes seem to be the bosses in houses. Grok used to demand his scoop of canned meat at the same time every night. I sometimes forgot about it, but he would remind me. Always! I’m glad that you also are a cat lover. They are always good guys, and there are a lot of them who were and are great writers! 🙂
This is a nice story, Christer. Another twist to your writing prowess. I’m not a pet lover although I have had several ones while growing up. Your story reminds me of a movie trailer, “Dog”. ” Grok”, what a special name for a pet. What kind of animal is it?
I’m glad you liked the letter to my disappeared cat, Thompson. Thanks for the nice words. But you must have forgotten to look at the picture. And while reading, I think you skipped the first sentence, lol!
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis is a very sad story, Christer. I hope Grok comes back to you. I will pray for that.
Thanks, Lotchie! Yes, it’s sad and of course I miss Grok a lot. We shared the space for eight long years and were very close friends. But he wouldn’t stay with the presence of the cute little kitten you see on the picture. I was sure they would be happy together.
You’re welcome, Christer.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThough your story is so sad Christer, you are still able to add humour to it. That is a real talent. Your love for Grok shines through and I hope very much that Grok comes home.
Thank you for pointing out your observation of the humorous parts of this sad story, Linda. After having read other comments, I was afraid that it didn’t really show. The reason for including it was that I wanted to add another dimension to the story, not only writing it as a sad story about my cat’s disappearance. At the same time, I find it fascinating every time I discover similarities between animals… Read more »
Oh Christer, my heart goes out to you! My beloved cat Lyra was unexpectedly joined by a tiny intruder who just showed up one day. Ari, the kitten, was and is a drama queen and a ball of mischief. Lyra, on the other hand, is a well-bred lady. Even though they are both tuxedo cats and look like family, they are total individuals. Lyra never left home, although she has expressed her… Read more »
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Julie. I laughed when I read your presentation of your kitten Ari as a drama queen and a ball of mischief. The latter certainly applies to our new, little one, called Annie. She is very lively, constantly active and looking for things to eat or play with. I hope that eventually, your “lady” and your “drama queen” are going to get along, but you never know with cats and their… Read more »
Hi Christer – I forgot to mention that Ari showed up out of nowhere almost seven years ago. The two of them are like sisters now – sometimes fighting playfully and sometimes sleeping peacefully side by side. Ari likes to copy everything Lyra does, and Lyra has even gotten younger since she has a running buddy to learn from. Does Grok have an “ownership chip” inserted? One time Ari disappeared, and we… Read more »
That was very clever of you, Julie, but also a proof that you live in an advanced and well organized country. As far as I know, there are no such things as “ownership chips” here in Colombia. Grok only had a regular, cheap collar. Of course, in hindsight, he should have had a phone number included in it. But during all the years he was with us, he stayed within the premises.… Read more »
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleChrister, this is a very touching, sad story, but as Linda said, I appreciate the humour too. I’m sure that you have many special memories of Grok and I hope that somehow he will come back home. I’ve learned many years ago, in my teenage years, that cats don’t always take well to new feline additions to the family, when our cat took off when the new kitten arrived. It is so… Read more »
Thanks for your empathy, Marianna! Its interesting that you had the same experience, with a cat already in the house leaving when a younger cat showed up. I had never heard of that, but now I understand that it’s not uncommon. Still, I was surprised that Grok left, because he was so friendly with everybody, including our two dogs, who arrived after he did. I’m happy to see that you appreciated the… Read more »
What a beautiful, expressive story Christer! I have a cat so this touched me.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Staci! It makes me very happy to see that you liked the story. It also makes me happy to see that there are so many cat lovers in our group. I hope you are more careful with your cat than I was with Grok.
I remember when she was small and she accidentally got locked outside, I was beside myself looking for her. Eventually, when I found her she was huddled up behind a wall. Needless to say she’s been an indoor cat ever since. I feel your trauma, I really do.