Jan 29, 2004

Sox returns home, thanks to alert reader

Editor,

I recently completed a study of Pastor Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life” through my church. The inside jacket begins…”You are not an accident. Even before the universe was created, God had you in mind, and He planned you for His purpose.”

While I may not always be able to end my day consciously being able to answer Pastor Warren’s challenge of “What on earth am I here for?” I can, without a doubt, answer that today.

Today was an in-service day for SJUSD students, and my middle and elementary school aged daughters spent the better part of the day with a high school friend who lives in our neighborhood. While I was enjoying a peaceful cup of coffee, I began perusing a copy of your Almaden Times Weekly that had just arrived. A thoughtfully written and detailed article about a missing cat caught my eye, as did the accompanying photo of a beautiful black and white cat with one white paw nonchalantly draped over his resting place for all to see. The words jumped out at me: “loved young cat,” “family,” “hope,” “we miss him terribly.” My heart ached for both the family and the feline. What were the chances of another local pet story with a happy ending in one week?

The rest of the day was uneventful until the three girls called to say they were headed back to our house when they noticed a friendly black and white cat. They asked me to drive them to the Humane Society so the stray cat could be, hopefully, reunited with his family. Remembering the article I read earlier in the day, I simultaneously reached for the picture and ran to meet the girls with their feline friend in tow.

In disbelief, I saw that the cat in the picture was the same cat in my daughter’s arms! I called the number in the article only to discover that the owner and I knew each other from our children’s school. She was grateful beyond words that Sox had been found after a two-week adventure, her voice filled with emotion I had expected from such a touching article.

These are the moments parents cherish. My daughters and their friend showed responsibility, initiative, problem-solving, caring and common sense—all part of the Lifeskills reinforced at my youngest daughter’s elementary school.

It’s not hard to imagine that the exact events of today were destined for the sole purpose of reuniting Sox with his rightful and heartbroken owners. A school closing resulting in a cup of coffee and time to read the newspaper…friends spending time together, walking in a specific place at a specific time…an adventurous cat unknowingly at the end of his journey…the compassionate friend’s chance meeting with a lost cat…a well-timed article written to alert the community…a phone call directly to the frantic owner.

We had Sox for a short time until his owner arrived. The girls became quickly attached to this friendly, little guy, as did I when he willingly snuggled in my lap to rest. In our hearts, we knew why this family was in search of him. In our hearts, we knew, without a doubt, why we were here on earth today. Sox can tell you, also!

Michelle Piligian
Cross Springs Court

Reader enjoyed “tribute” to Kaitlyn Langstaff

Editor,

I just finished reading your story on Kaitlyn Langstaff...WOW! What a tribute. You did an excellent job. I met the Langstaffs through work and even though I didn't know them too well I realized they were quite special, as was their daughter Kaitlyn. It was nice to see such a big part of the paper dedicated to her.

Nancy Yeager
Safari Drive