By Jeanette M. Pintar - with inspiration from Misty

Misty LOVED to cuddle with warm and fuzzy things… especially blankets! If it was soft and snuggley, you could find Misty curled up in it. I have to admit this was one of many simple pleasures I shared with Misty. There's nothing like hunkering into something that cuddles you and makes you feel like the world is a warm, loving place hugging your very being. Misty and I both had our favorite blankets… mine was a soft cougar-spot throw I bought to replace the plush white and brown kitten-with-flowers blanket Misty had taken over as her favorite. What came as a surprise, was that my husband, Mark, still had his favorite blanket from childhood! I found it in our closet covered with dust, washed it, and put it in Misty's basket, figuring it would be a good way to have the blanket around and still put it to good use. Mark wasn't too keen on the idea of his "blankie" going into the cat basket! After all, it was still his favorite blanket.

We both have a good laugh when recalling this incident but it's a good reminder that we all need something warm and fuzzy to bring us a sense of security. For some, it's a blanket or a stuffed animal. Others turn to a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or tea. And some people prefer nice hot baths. Of course, nothing beats cuddling with our loved ones but when that's not possible, it's good to have something else that can help us recall that sense of love and security.

Incidentally, when Misty was overcome with kidney disease, Mark pulled out his "blankie" and lined Misty's bed with it to make her feel good. She gratefully accepted and that blanket has become even more special after Misty's soul graduation.

Do you have favorite "security blanket?" Take a minute to recall some of the precious memories associated with it and enjoy basking in them.

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