Lucy Olivia
A Cat Tale
Hebrews 13:16
16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Harvey and I were sitting on a boardwalk bench Friday night, enjoying a little brother-sister time after a day of helping our elderly father. We were remarking on how much we both liked the sound of the ocean when a father with two young daughters and a large shopping bag approached us.
“Good evening,” he said. “My daughters have won a lot of stuffed animals at the arcade today but we can’t give homes to all of them. I told them they had to pick someone to give an animal to. And they picked you.”
The taller of the two girls held out a round stuffed cat, all gray stripes and white belly.
“Thank you,” I said taking the offered cat. “My name is Linda. This is my brother, Harvey.”
The girl nodded. “I’m Lucy. My sister is Olivia.”
I bounced the cat on my knee. “Well, I am going to call this cat Lucy Olivia. And I promise that I will give her a good home.”
Both girls smiled and patted the cat in farewell.
As they moved down the boardwalk, Harvey and I talked about the wisdom of the father in teaching his daughters an important lesson about sharing with others. “And also,” my brother—the father of four—noted, “in not taking home too many stuffed animals!”
Back home, I placed Lucy Olivia on my bed and told Allen, my autistic adult son, the story of the cat.
“Well,” he said, “that’s a nice story. I just hope Butterscotch will also learn to share!”
Don’t worry, Lucy and Olivia. I appreciate the trust you placed in me in presenting me with your treasure. I promise to take care of her!