The Consolation Of Schrodinger
I believe most will agree that life is far from easy and that dark moments are an inescapable part of human existence. When I feel sad, when I feel confused, when I feel conflicted, when it all gets too much and my head is crowded with thoughts yet I do not even know what to do next, I lie down on my bed to calm myself.
On such an occasion recently, I was lying in a reverie and my consciousness was merging with the patterns of the changing light on the ceiling, when I heard small footsteps enter the room followed by a soft clump as Schrodinger landed upon the coverlet in a leap.
I lifted my head for a moment and cast my eyes towards him and he looked at me askance, our eyes meeting briefly in the half-light of the shaded room before I lay my head back and he settled himself down at a distance to rest.
I resumed my contemplation, trying to navigate the shifting currents of troubling thoughts as they coursed through my head but drifting inescapably into emotional confusion. Suddenly my mind was stilled and halted by the interruption of the smallest sensation, as insignificant yet as arresting as a single star in a night sky.
Turning my head towards Schrodinger, I saw that he had stretched out a front leg to its greatest extent and the very tip of his white paw was touching my calf, just enough to register. Our eyes met in a moment of mutual recognition that granted me the consolation I had been seeking. I was amazed. It truly was as if he knew, yet I cannot unravel precisely what he knew. I only know that I was released from the troubles and sorrow that were oppressing me.
When he was the church cat, Schrodinger lived a public life and developed a robust personality that enabled him to survive and flourish in his role as mascot in Shoreditch. After these years living a private domestic life in Spitalfields, he has adapted to a quieter more intimate sequestered existence, becoming more playful and openly affectionate.
At bedtime now, he leaps onto the coverlet, rolling around like a kitten before retreating – once he has wished me goodnight in his own way – to the sofa outside the bedroom door where he spends the night. Thus each day with Schrodinger ends in an expression of mutual delight.
You may also like to read about
Schrodinger’s First Year in Spitalfields
What a beautiful chap he is.
Four years have passed. How is Schrodinger today?
A wonderful report about an unreplaceable housemate. If I had known that my neighbours would simply give away their cat CHICO, I would have adopted him. An animal like him is a real blessing in these hopeless times when everyone disappoints you. Luckily, I still have my birds, whose joy over their daily food also makes ME happy!
Love & Peace
ACHIM
A gentle prod out of the ‘blues’ & from a feline friend is a considerate compliment to be cherished ..
My rescue cat Stewie could easily be Schrodinger’s not quite so handsome (his facial markings are more asymmetrical) younger brother.
What a constant source of joy and comfort they are…
I’m so glad to see him – soothsayer he definitely is. Give him our very best.
L.
We have had several cats over several decades, and each of them were marvelous; and yet so different. We currently have two brothers, Simon and Stringer Bell, both long-hair cats with luxurious coats and luminous eyes. Dare I say, Simon (with tuxedo coloring) is taking after
your Schrodinger. My husband has had quite a year of health issues, and Simon has become the visiting nurse. Several times a night, he visits John, tucks close to him, and reaches out with an empathetic paw.
Wishing you and your feline buddy all the best.
Thanks for that.
And this essay of yours has brought me the consolation that I needed this evening here in Minnesota. Thank you exceedingly, GA. May I share my BlueSky presence to the kind persons here? If so, it is: @mnmozart-nut.bsky.social. Thank you and be well and safe, all! Evelyn
Your daily stories have brought me comfort and solace for many years now. I am sad to read that life maybe something of a struggle for you at the moment. Thinking of you.
People who are indifferent to, or actively dislike these lovely creatures, do not how much warmth they can bring. I’m glad you have Schrodinger in your life, and equally pleased for Schrodinger that he has you.
If you know cats you will experience their wisdom and uncanny empathy. When a cat looks into your eyes he or she is looking into your soul. You are read completely.