My appreciation of cats started when I was a baby. My family adopted a darling short-haired black cat from the Nashville Humane Association. My sister Kelley named him Blackberry, which the family eventually shortened to Bookie.

Bookie was affectionate to all of us, but especially to me. He would jump into my crib, knead the soft blankets, and nestle beside me to enjoy a peaceful nap together.

As I grew into a young child, he became my best friend.

When I was five years old, I remember rollerskating out our long driveway with my sisters. Since they are six and eight years older, I was thrilled to be hanging out with them. I valued being included in their playtimes more than most things in life. With their years on me, however, they were much more skilled at the activity.

As we started up the first incline, I struggled to keep up. Scared to be left behind, I tried to skate faster. Instead, I tripped over my skates and fell hard, landing on my hands and knees.

Allyson and Kelley skated off into the distance up the driveway, talking to each other and not noticing their fallen sister. I cried and examined the bleeding scrapes on my hands and knees. I looked around and sobbed harder seeing there was no one nearby to help me.

A minute later, I felt a soft nudge on my lower back. Bookie curled up beside me. From somewhere in our large backyard, he’d heard me fall and cry out, and he sprinted over to attend to me. I petted him, smiled, and slowly dried my tears.

My love and adoration of cats took root in this moment. Bookie was there for me when no one else was aware of the pain I was in. I knew then the privilege and honor it is to earn the friendship of a cat. I will always remember and be grateful for Bookie’s kindness.

Bookie and I were best friends for many more years. I keep him in a special part of my heart and am so grateful for our invaluable friendship.

May everyone be so fortunate to earn the love of cat.