By Jeanette M. Pintar - with inspiration from Misty

Although Misty had obviously been abused by her previous owners, she became very loving and affectionate toward us and anyone who took the time to know her. Misty's gentle purrs could soothe away the most antagonistic stress and her playful bids for attention could warm anyone's heart - even on the coldest night. Despite experiencing many of the same fears as people who've grown up in abusive situations (including abandonment and trust issues), Misty somehow managed to open her heart fully and allow love to flow through. She was perhaps the very first being I truly experienced unconditional love from and she taught me the importance of loving and accepting others as they are.

It's not always easy to unconditionally love and accept others… especially if we feel like our needs are not being met. There are many ways in which relationships shift and change as well as the people in them. But one thing that should always remain a priority is to express love. It doesn't matter how scared, angry, upset or disappointed we are. If we express love, our lives, our relationships, and our inner peace will greatly benefit and improve.

Misty's soul graduated eleven months ago and we can still feel her love present in our home. I hope when my time comes that I will leave as great of a legacy of love as our tiny angel who was so cleverly disguised as the cat we called Misty.

--- © Jeanette M. Pintar, Inspired by Misty