Years ago, when it was Zack (part Karelian) and Gus (my first cat, a tuxedo cat) … they were both near me as I spent some morning quiet time before starting my day. Gus snuggled against my chest and hugged my neck. Zack lay on the floor near my chair.

Then Karl and Gus continued the pattern and when Bob joined the family, Bob took a spot on the ottoman by my feet.

Bear has mostly moved from his living room chair sleep spot to the bed when Auggie and I get up. But, occasionally he will join Auggie and I in the kitchen and it is a treasured moment.

All of us together: quiet in the early morning. I do not take these moments for granted.

Shortly after taking these photos, I read the following in a murder mystery book: The Thames River Murders (Captain Lacey Regency Mystery series) by Ashley Gardner.

… one never anticipates where life will lead. I knew that tragedy could follow hard upon happiness, and so I treasured the moment… I hugged it to me, and let it go only with the greatest reluctance.

Treasured moments of quiet and joy.