TJ now had a cat all his own and he kept her a secret for about a week. I knew he was up to something because he spent a lot of time out back. And he wasn't playing with the goats. I also knew that he would share his secret with me in time. I just had to be patient. When he finally did tell me about her, I was simply amazed at the things he had done for her.

It seems he had been borrowing a little of the other cats food, gathering table scraps, and even catching lizards and crickets everyday for this cat to eat. She was starving you see. And her name is Spot because of her black and white Holstein cow patches. Spot even answers to her name whenever he calls for her. Now it was time to approach dad for permission to keep her as an outside cat.

Waiting till the time was right of course, I talked to dad first.

"Honey," I started, "TJ has found a young stray cat and fallin' in love with her."

"What cat?" he asked.

"That little black and white one that's been around for a few weeks. She's so ugly she's cute."

"I've seen it. And?"

"And he wants to keep it. Her name is Spot and he's been catching lizards and crickets to feed it."

"He's been feeding it lizards and crickets?" he asked with a rather amused look on his face.

"Yes." Now it was time for TJ to do the talking.

By the time TJ got done with his sales pitch there was no doubt that dad would say yes. He had put some real thought into this proposal and even placed some of his own conditions into the deal. Spot is now our second outside cat. Dad acted tough about it for a minute or two, but he finally gave in. A look of pure happiness covered TJ's face as he hugged and thanked dad. Then he got a little cat food and ran out to tell Spot the good news.

Within a short time Spot warmed up to the entire family. She wasn't around a lot though. TJ said she spends her time wandering with the goats and hunting. He also said he thought she might be pregnant even though she was terribly thin. How an 11 year old came to this conclusion I'm still not sure. But he was right and we were soon to find out.

On an overcast August day I spotted my 65 year old father-in-law Ernie chopping something in the backyard. A few minutes later I saw TJ and Spot walking over there. That's when I really started to get curious. So when dinner was ready and I hollered for TJ I couldn't resist asking what they were up to.

"There's a trapped cat down here." Ernie called back.

"Need a hand?"

"Yeah if you don't mind."

"Be there in a minute", I said closing the window.

When I reached where they were at I heard a pitiful little meowing. Ernie was hot and tired and TJ was about frantic. This very young sounding kitten was trapped in a hollow Sweet Gum root and couldn't be seen or reached. We discussed options for a minute and then he started digging again to expose part of the root we thought the kitten was in. When he had exposed about a foot of root he started chopping a hole in the side of it. Now he could see the kitten and reached his arm down in the root to pull out a tiny two or three day old kitten.

Spot was right there so I held the kitten down to her and she immediately started bathing it.

"I do believe this is her kitty TJ", I told him. "Let's get them up to the house so that I can really check."

With that I scooped up Spot and we headed up the yard. After establishing that this was definitely her kitten we made them a place to stay under the woodshop lean-to.

TJ is out there all the time checking on both of them. I do believe he found Spot at just the right time for both of them. You see, today we lost a momma and baby goat and it broke TJ's heart. But he now has a new little kitty and her momma to love and take care of. Thank God Ernie heard that little meow and went to investigate.

"I have her name, address and phone number. Do you think I should try contacting her? I mean, maybe she'll never want me. What should I do? Are you going to help me or just sit there staring at me like I've gone crazy?" For a minute there I was speechless, my 16 year old mind was reeling.

My best friend Jo was adopted? How could that be? She looked just like her mom. The whole family is happy and close. Her birth mom? This could change everything.

"Slow down Jo. Let me process this for a second."

We had been best friends for 2 years and she had never mentioned this before.

"How did you ... No, who told you that ... How long have you ... Is this a joke?"

How could this be possible? I couldn't even begin to imagine what she must be going through. I was dying to know more yet afraid of what she was going to say. There were so many emotions playing across her features and through my mind. Pain, fear, doubt, confusion, wonder, and so much more.

Taking a shaky breath, Jo finally answered my questions. "I found out during summer break. Remember blood typing in ninth grade Biology last year?"

I nodded yes and she continued. "Well when I looked at my families blood types I realized I couldn't be related. I'm O negative, my family is AB positive. So I asked my mom. I always felt different from everyone. Disconnected in a way. Not whole like the rest of them seemed to be. I'll never forget what my mom said. Oh darn ... there's the bell for class. We better get going or we'll be late."

She started to get up from our grassy hill till I reached for her hand. "We have a free period this hour. Let's enjoy it out here and we can talk some more. You have me really curious now."

With that she sat back down and continued her story.

"Mom sat me down, held my hands and looked at me with tears in her eyes. She said 'Jo, I love you very, very much. Yes we adopted you, but you should know that you were born and adopted in love. Dad and I tried to have a baby for a long time. We went through so much pain ... we had begun to believe that we would never have a family ... then when we felt our lowest we heard about Anne. She and your dad had been married a few years, were young, in love, and excited about being pregnant.

"'There was an accident. A drunk driver struck their car on the way home from dinner. Your dad died instantly, your mom was badly hurt. The accident caused you to be a few weeks early. Suddenly being alone, seriously injured, grieving the loss of her husband, and a new mom was a lot to deal with. And she had no family. They were both only children and their parents had already passed away. After soul searching and praying she went to her priest for help and advice.

"'She came to the heart wrenching decision that it would be best for a loving couple to raise you as their child. She felt she couldn't give what you needed to grow and love. She didn't want to let you go, but she felt that it would be best for you. We had the same priest as it turned out. He knew about the pain and loss of both of our families. Praying that by joining our pain we would all be able to heal. After talking to all of us separately, we were brought together. We all met several times so that we could truly get to know each other and so that Anne could be sure we were meant to be your parents.'"

My heart went out to Jo. A drunk driver had changed her entire life simply by getting behind the wheel. Her mom must have been in so much pain, both physically and emotionally. As this thought crossed my mind I realized that tears had been running down my cheeks. Tears filled with anger, disgust and horror. Tears for Jo and her lost parents. Impulse made me reach out to hug her, hoping to give her comfort and strength to continue. Breaking from our hug, Jo continued telling me what her mom had said.

"'We brought you home with us shortly after that. Our precious little girl from Heaven to love and watch over. You brought with you the blessing of hope and promise. When you were about 6 months old I became pregnant with Adam and the rest is history. We've exchanged addresses with your mom through the years. We all agreed that when the time was right we would share your story with you. It was a promise we made to your mom in gratitude for the gift she shared with us. If you want to get to know her, we'll help and support you. We love you Jo, and only want your happiness.' Mom knew I would need time alone to take everything in, so she kissed me on the forehead and quietly left me to my thoughts."

Jo took a breath before continuing, but not before I noticed the tears shining in her pretty blue eyes.

"Oh Jo! I don't know what to say. This is hard to believe. What do you want to do? Have you decided yet?" I asked giving her a hug.

She smiled and said she had spent time thinking and talking to her family.

"Kat, I want to meet her, but I'm scared. What if I'm not what she pictured? What if I bring back bad memories and hurt her? Sixteen years is a long time to cross you know. I don't know, maybe we were never meant to be together. Yet, I feel a kind of longing now that I know. Oh ... what do I do?"

The bell rang again, and this time we had to go.

"Let's get to class. After school we'll go for sodas and pizza and talk some more ok?" I asked as we got up and headed to our afternoon classes.

It's a good thing we were only reviewing during those two periods. I couldn't get Jo and her dilemma off my mind. The teachers sounded like something from Charlie Brown, but it didn't really matter ... I couldn't concentrate anyway. All I could think about was what I would tell Jo.

What would I do if it was me? I was afraid of giving her the wrong advice. Part of me wanted to tell her to leave well enough alone. Avoid the possible rejection and pain. The other part of me said call her, meet her, take the chance. At least she would know for sure one way or the other. Hurry up clock ... one thing was for sure, we wouldn't be talking about boys ... or clothes ... or the latest movies and music. Today would be very different. Only half an hour to go but for now I had to try and pay attention.

Later over pizza and Pepsi we talked some more.

"Ok Jo, I think that if, in your heart, you really want to meet your mom then go for it. Stuff like this happens for a reason. I'm sure she has healed over the years and would be grateful for the chance to get to know you. And if for some reason things don't go right, at least you tried and you will have that peace. You're a great person and she is going to love you. What's not to love?"

"You think I should do this?" She looked so relieved.

"Yea if you really want to. If you're uncomfortable about being alone with her ... ask her to meet you here. She can join us for pizza and if things look good, I'll excuse myself. How's that sound?"

"Perfect!" she beamed. "Your a true friend. I'll work up the courage to call her and see if she will do it. Can you come over to the house while I give her a call?"

"Sure” I replied, “I'll just call home when we get there and check in. I'm not expected in till around 7 tonight anyway. Besides, I would like to hear what happens. I'll just be there if you need me."

With that we headed for Jo's house. Unfortunately though we ended up with an answering machine when we tried to call.

A week later at lunch Jo was glowing.

"Kat, she called. She wants to meet me. She would be honored to drive down here. Can you be available for lunch Saturday?"

"I wouldn't be anywhere else!” I replied, “This is so cool. I'm really happy for you Jo. Did she say anything else?"

Between slices of pizza she filled me in.

"She remarried, I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I have a whole other family out there. It was like we had known each other forever. We talked about everything and she was honestly interested in me. We were on the phone for three hours. She said she has always loved me and I've always had a special place in her heart and thoughts."

Stopping to catch her breath, Jo grinned from ear to ear. I felt so relieved that the first phone call had gone so well. The look on Jo's face resembled the look you might see on Christmas morning. Her heart was light and happy ... she was walking on Cloud Nine. It seemed like the more she talked the more excited she got. And the more she talked, the more I looked forward to meeting her mom. After catching her breath and taking a drink of her soda, she continued again.

"She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and works in an animal hospital. I can't wait to meet her".

I was really glad that it would only be a short wait for her. On Saturday the phone rang and it was Jo telling me it was time. She was as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof. Dressed comfortably in jeans and a sweater, we sat down at our favorite table. Just after we ordered and got our drinks Jo's twin walked into the parlor. She was dressed in a smart dark blue business suit which complimented her long blonde hair and clear blue eyes. There was no doubt it was her mom.

Jo slowly got out of her chair and walked toward Anne. They stood looking at each other for an eternity before Jo leaned into her mom's waiting arms as they held each other and cried. Sitting there watching them hug was like watching a miracle happen before my eyes. It was the most incredible feeling. I felt privileged to witness their first meeting. They looked so much alike, yet so different. Watching as they held each other brought tears to my eyes and a longing to spend more time with my own mom.

Eventually they came to the table and introductions were made. When the pizza arrived we were all talking like old friends. Anne brought pictures with her of Jo's brothers and sisters. When she turned to Jo and asked for her forgiveness, we both gasped.

"Jo, I didn't want to let you go. But I felt so worthless at that point. I didn't want you to have to live in poverty. Your dad had such big plans for his little princess.

"David, your father, was so excited about being a daddy. And nothing was going to be to good for his children. He was a big teddy bear ..." Anne said stopping to take a breath and wipe away her tears. "he was my first real love and we thought we had forever. He would have been a good daddy, he had so much to share, so much to give. He loved you from the day we found out you were coming. In fact, the day after we found out he ran out and bought a pretty pink bunny that was as soft as a cloud. You could see the pride all over his face."

Hating to leave good company, but sensing the time was right I excused myself to run errands.

"Kat, thank you for being here to support Jo. She's fortunate to have a friend like you." Anne said as she gave me a hug. "I hope to see you again real soon."

"Me too," I replied hugging her back. "I'll talk to you later Jo."

They spent several hours talking in the pizza parlor that afternoon. When she drove Jo home, she was invited to stay for dinner. Everyone came together as one big happy family. The support of Jo's family gave that first meeting a comfortable warmth. Anne left for home late Sunday after joining the family for Sunday service and dinner.

With them only living a few hours apart it was easy for them to visit each other. Jo's first visit to Anne's house was very special. The entire family was there to greet her. Photo albums were brought out, albums of Anne and David. From the attic came a little white box. Inside that box Jo found a pink bunny that really was as soft as the clouds. In the bottom of the box was a small hand addressed envelope, addressed to "Daddy's Precious Gift from God." With Anne beside her, Jo opened the envelope with shaking hands.

"My dear little girl, I am so very proud to welcome you into my life and my heart. I promise you now that I will look after and protect you to the best of my ability so that no harm or hurt ever comes to you. The Lord has blessed me and your mother, and that means you have been blessed too. You will do great things one day, and you will touch many hearts. Remember my sweet little angel, your daddy will always love you, and be your biggest fan." The letter was signed, "I'll love you forever, Your daddy, David."

That visit changed Jo. She walked with her head held high. She may have been adopted, but she was never unwanted. Jo spent vacations with Anne. And the next summer the family went camping where Anne lived so both families could get to know each other. Jo didn't lose anything, she gained the love and support of both families as they came together to form one. Holidays and vacations became a large family affair. But best of all, Jo finally had what she had always been looking for; she now knew she had been complete all along.

To be published 2004 in Chicken Soup for the Adopted Soul"

Sharyn and I managed to get our guys to agree to join us on our trick-or-treat rounds. We would show them what us mom's get to repeat every year while they stay home and pass out candy.

A lovely pale blue, full length, formal gown graced with wispy layers would look perfect on Donny. For Karl we picked out a lovely short little white nurse's uniform dress.

With me standing by, Karl slowly put on his nylons. Watching a grown man rolling on the bed, biting his tongue, and straining to get a pair of nylons on made me laugh so hard I was in tears.

Finally the waist band has reached it's final destination. "Now, let's get you into that bra." After securing the clasp in the back I grabbed the bag of fiberfill and turned to face a very surprised looking man.

"Trust me baby. Your gonna be a knock-out when I'm done with you." I assured him while stuffing his cups with fiberfill. "There, that should be about right. Now slip into that dress."

"I don't feel so good all of a sudden. Maybe I should just stay home tonight." he said looking down at his transformed figure. "Nope, your going. Now stop stalling and get into the dress."

Reluctantly he slipped into the dress and started adjusting the material over his new chest. "What about my beard and mustache? I suppose you want me to shave?" "Nope. Beard and mustache stay."

It was rather hard to apply makeup to his face, I'll have to admit. Especially with him looking at me like I had finally gone over the deep edge. But I managed and he was definitely a show-stopper.

I handed Karl a stethoscope and cigar as I went to answer the door. It took me a moment to catch my composure when I set eyes on Donny. Loud, dark makeup covered his face resembling a clown of sorts. We quickly got everyone into cars before they could back out.

A constant struggle soon started between Karl and his nylons. They wanted off and so he was all the time reaching down trying to pull a little here, a little there. Wiggling and dancing through the streets in our little town.

The cleavage was an issue for both of them though. It was a humid night so the fiberfill made them sweat and itch too. Donny finally had enough and ripped the fiberfill out in a heave of glory and flung it into the nearest trash can. He was victorious!

Our night ended with the guys wired. Complaining about the itching, the wandering nylons, their poor aching feet. Then they laughed about people's reactions. And sneering with victory as they raided the kids stashes of candy.

Sharyn and I on the other hand were toasting our own victory in the kitchen. We had successfully gotten our men off the couch, into dresses and on the streets walking for hours.

The goodness of the heart
True till the end
Open and honest
For all to see.

The final test
In a long hard life
Won with the greatest spirit
On to a better life at last.

Apart, we're different.
Together, we're complete,
A one-of-a-kind friendship
That can't be beat
.

So much in common,
Almost a twin,
While others hit and miss,
You and I always win.

A friendship so special,
Some people would say,
We complement each other
In every way.

The day we met
Was just the start.
Now you'll always be
Forever in my heart.

This poem was wrote as a birthday present to my best friend

Published in A Celebration of Poets
1998 by The International Library of Poetry
ISBN 1-888680-54-7