My Hosts Melted My Heart With Their Concern

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. — Melody Beattie.

If you are a new reader, welcome on board, and thank you for deciding to stop by. If you are returning, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your trust and loyalty!

My baby girl Mimi disappeared for three hours — the longest 3 hours of my physical existence on this beautiful planet, in all likelihood! Here is some context to help you better understand the big picture:

The 30plus-trip from my country of residence to Brazil was too harsh on her. We spent two days in a friend’s place in Sao Paulo where I broke his neighbor’s roof while chasing her after she climbed a big tree.

The first volunteering program was a platform in the middle of a forest. I decided to trust our bond and set her free to explore her environment and live as a wild tigress.

My second volunteering program is located in a small city they call Venâncio Aires. The school is situated on the main street and there is a neighbor with a criminal history when it comes to any animal who risked entering his house.

Now that you know about some details, let’s get into the serious stuff, shall we?

My hosts have a backyard where I like to take my baby twice a day to play a bit. She is 11 months, healthy, and a troublemaker — a kid, I would say, and that’s how I would love her to always be!

On a side note, my vet was thrilled when I was preparing her traveling papers and doing some tests. She said her weight was perfect despite the spaying surgery because she was very active!

Yesterday, I needed to store my cleaned clothes; hence, left Mimi in the school — where I volunteer — without paying attention there was an open window. When I was back, I called her. I didn’t get any answer.

I didn’t freak out, to be frank. She is playful and adores hiding. She once did it at a good friend’s place I was visiting for the first time. We spent 3 hours looking for her inside and mostly outside.

We asked for help from all the kids in the neighborhood. An army was dedicated to the mission of finding Mimi. We even shared a post on a social media platform.

Eventually, I called her desperately for the last time when we were at the house and heard her precious voice. She decided to end the hiding game and didn’t seem to feel any guilt although our pale faces, my cherished friend and I!

You may have guessed, by now, why I didn’t experience any crippling fear— at least for the first 2 hours. I was resilient and my hosts were the worried ones even though they were trying their best not to show it.

I spent the first hour waiting for her in the house. For the second hour, I decided to go outside and call her. I was calm until I saw the terrifying neighbor. He succeeded in triggering Mamma’s fear for her kid.

That’s when I formulated my request to the Universe most sincerely and humbly!

I went back home looking for my host who would translate my request to check whether Mimi was in the neighbor’s backyard. The wife is a sweetheart. She let me in and was a witness to my flowing tears while calling my baby.

The language barrier didn’t prevent me from feeling her compassion for which I thanked her warmly. There is no more powerful language than the heart’s one!

With one of my hosts — the girl, we started looking for my fur kid in the neighborhood streets. At some point, we saw a cat running and followed him/her. She reported not seeing any cat around, which might mean the probability it could be Mimi was very high.

The cat entered a protected area. There was a number on the fence. My host wanted to call it but none of us had enough battery. My second host — the husband — joined us for some support and advised me to jump.

He said cameras were not a problem since we have a very good reason and that he would provide the concerned party with the explanation, should it be required.

It was yet another physical and dangerous mission for me to accomplish with the priceless aid of my adorable hosts. Ultimately, we figured out it was not Mimi and let it go.

On our way back home, the girl said, “Maybe, we will find her waiting for us, laughing at our unsuccessful attempt and calling us losers!”, to which I responded, “That would be too easy!”. She looked at me, almost shocked before adding, “Do you think so?”.

Nah, this is only some self-deprecating attempt; my way to make it easier for me to cope with the situation!

We were disappointed when we didn’t find her, but we didn’t lose hope and kept calling her. A few minutes later, the guy confirmed having heard something and then saw her!

Can you guess where she was? Bingo! On the roof. So, yeah, she loves hiding and inspecting all the roofs. It took us a few more minutes to convince her gently to end the game.

When she was, finally, in my arms, I started crying hysterically! My host was comforting me given that she lost a cat and knows exactly my heart-aching. I gave her a warm hug!

Dear hosts: I want you to know that I have been appreciating your kindness during the whole week. Nonetheless, yesterday marked a new era. You officially have a very special place in my heart!