Have you spent time watching kittens lately? I had the opportunity in the last few weeks to do a little feline following. In doing so, I’ve been reminded of a lot—both about myself and about some of the little things that help us get along in life.

After many little girl prayers for Daddy’s heart to open to the idea of a kitty, I at last saw the wonders of an answer.

Immediately after he said okay to the proposal, the great kitten hunt was underway—for not one but two kittens (yes, a miracle happening here). Then the fateful day came Thanksgiving weekend. A trip to a kind couple’s farm in Delavan resulted in an armload of tiger gray fur for one happy little girl.

I was so thrilled for her I forgot the peace and tranquility cats bring to my own heart—that is once they get out of the kitten stage of biting toes, climbing up legs and dragging around every minuscule snippet of fabric to be found. But, no matter what stage of development, there is always the fun of watching and learning.

So what have these cute cuddlers taught me? First, we have to take care of each other. These kittens are not just in it for a good time. Oh, yes, they romp and wrestle and chase each other, but they also take time when the fun is over to do the ritual checking for potential injury, hidden critter, or other foreign material. Then they assist each other in cleaning those hard to reach places. Neither is too good for the job. They just sit down and get to work helping out—purring even while the work is being done.

Secondly, we have to be able to forgive. The wrestling on the floor will occasionally get a little rough with ears and noses being nipped. At these times a little yelp will emit from the victim, and the aggressor stops right away and starts the healing "lick." None of this "Oh you’re being too sensitive" stuff. The victim responds with a reassuring nuzzle sending the message of grace.

The third lesson is it is nice to be close. I never see either of them sleeping alone. When one lump of fur is on the couch, the chair, or the dirty clothes basket, you’ll find two heads in there somewhere. You know all those cute pictures on calendars and posters of kittens cuddled up together in baskets, on books, or under Christmas trees? Well, we have all those for future scrapbooks.

It’s just natural they have a need to be touching, something we tend to forget as we get caught up in solitude, time alone, and personal space.

Last but not least, I’ve learned never to give up. If one of our little, sweet, innocent feline friends decides he is going to achieve a goal—such as getting on the counter top, having a sock, or snatching a silk flower out of my arrangement—‘‘no" is not in his vocabulary. A firm voice, the spray bottle, and bodily removal will be met with a patient smile.

But I already know what’s going on in his brain—plan B, C, and D. If he wants something badly enough, he will work very diligently at the goal. While frustrating for those of us who try to get in the way, it is an admirable trait just the same.

So, in the weeks to come, try a little kitten watching. While a relaxing pasttime, it is also one that will make you think. Are we spending as much time as we would like taking care of each other, forgiving others, being close, and persevering toward important goals? If not, maybe we should. TPW