Eight years ago, Frida chose (with the
temptation of food) to enter our home
and give up her freedom as a feral cat.

For the longest time, she wouldn't make
eye contact and I accepted our relationship
on her terms.

One morning, as I made my way to the
kitchen to prepare her food, she greeted me
with hesitant eye contact, tilting her head
slightly, wrapping her tail protectively around
her front paws...non-verbally asking
'can I trust you?'

Years went by before she would allow me
to touch her.  Now, she regularly cuddles
with Paul and me, and sometimes sleeps
curled up under my chin.

Estimated to be 10 years old, we consider
the day she entered our home to be her
birthday...so, 'Happy Birthday, Frida!'

Of all the gifts you've given me, the
greatest is the lesson in trust.