The scene is Sunday, 6 November 2011 at 6:15 AM, which, after the end of Daylight Savings’ Time, feels like a very reasonable 7:15 AM to at least one of the human characters in this scene. To the other, it most assuredly does not as she had stayed up entirely too late the night before and is feeling anything but thankful as her morning is starting far earlier than she might have liked.
The cat, an 11-year-old black-and-white example of very rare feline patience, bounds in after Edgar as Samantha stares at the clock with nothing more than resignation. She remains under the covers, hoping the very sight of how cozy she looks will entice her favorite six-year-old to join her for at least a quick snuggle.
Instead, Edgar and his cat perch on the window seat in front of the early morning light. To Samantha, who is several feet away and sans her requisite eyeglasses, only their silhouettes are visible. She watches and listens intently as they begin.
EDGAR. Good morning, Dolores. You look beautiful today.
[Dolores stares lovingly at Edgar, apparently basking in the compliment.]
EDGAR. What do you want to do today, Dolores?
[Dolores does not respond. She may not have thought that far ahead yet.]
EDGAR. Dolores, why are you so soft? [He pets her lovingly.]
[Dolores remains quiet but nuzzles her favorite boy.]
EDGAR. Dolores, do you want to touch noses? [He moves his face toward hers, touches her nose with his, and giggles.] Dolores, your nose is cold!
The conversation continues much in this vein for at least another ten minutes. By this time, Samantha is fully awake—and though she can’t see them well, she hears every word Edgar says.
The morning may have started off earlier than she had planned but it turned out better than she could ever have imagined. And as she remained on her side, her attention riveted on the scene unfolding at the window, she realized she was thankful for all of it—for the early morning sunlight; for the uncomplaining, attentive cat; for her beautiful boy who can and always has been able to talk to the animals; and, yes, for the hour—because scenes such as this can rarely happen once the hustle and bustle of the day takes hold.
Here’s to beautiful scenes unfolding before your eyes and ears when you least expect them. Happy Thanksgiving!
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[In the spirit of gratitude, I would like to share with you an opportunity I had recently to interview the National Adoption Coalition’s One Day Project spokesperson, Willie Garson, adoptive parent, perhaps best known for his role as Stanford Blatch in Sex and the City, and who currently stars as Mozzie in the new USA Network original series White Collar. Garson adopted his now 10-year-old son, Nathen, from the Los Angeles County foster care system in 2010, and I am grateful to be able to present to you his perspectives on adoption. The interview will appear on my blog, My Three Sons (www.samanthahines.wordpress.com), next week. If you would like to subscribe to My Three Sons, you will receive an email notification when the post is live. Thanks for reading!
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