Soul Path Insights

Remembering Lickie

I first met Lickie when I moved into my new roommate’s household. My mom had passed away the year before, and my Dad went on a vacation to the Philippines and decided not to come back to California, enjoying the simplicity of life there. I was left with the task of packing up his things at his apartment, where I was temporarily staying. I couldn’t stay there because it was senior housing. I needed to move out. Through other friends, I met my new roommate who was a homeowner. She was unmarried and lived with a single mom and daughter plus a couple of furry friends, namely Whispurr and Lickie.

Whispurr was sweet, approachable, and the friendly one. Lickie, on the other hand, was snobbish and a bully. He only came home for meals, went out, and hung out with the neighborhood cats. He was often seen bullying other neighborhood cats, frolicking around the neighborhood as if he owned it. Lickie was a gorgeous, big, black Maine Coon. He was fluffy and cute but unapproachable. He sauntered away every time someone tried to get close to him. Because Lickie was challenging to befriend, I made it my mission for him to like me, by any means necessary.

One day, I came home, and Lickie was inside the house. I grabbed him and put him inside my room. He cried, wanting to get out, but I kept him in my room so he could get used to me. I petted him and tried to cuddle with him. I eventually let him out. I did this every day. He got used to spending time with me that whenever he heard my car drive up, he ran to greet me and meowed at me to be petted. My roommate even got jealous because Lickie paid more attention to me than to her. Lickie had the sweetest meow and was quite loving when we became close. When my roommate moved to Chicago, she gave me Lickie.

Because of life circumstances, I moved to Los Angeles from San Jose. Lickie joined me a year later after I got us a place that was pet-friendly. It was also around that time when I started calling him Gorgeous. I called him by many names: Lickierama, Lickins, Lickie, Gorgeous, Boyfriend. He became an indoor cat. I felt bad for him but didn’t want him roaming the neighborhood for fear of getting run over by reckless LA drivers. We enjoyed our small world. Every time I came home from work, he greeted me and complained about his own personal woes and perhaps because I was gone for too long. He allowed me to use him as my pillow at times and my own personal live stuffed animal with whom I could cuddle from time to time. We enjoyed a few good years together until he passed away. I cried so much. Every moment with him was a privilege. He held a very special place in my heart.

Soul Insights

1. Trust is Earned.
Lickie didn’t trust me immediately. I had to be patient and consistent in my efforts to show him I meant no harm. This taught me the value of earning trust through persistent and genuine actions. Whether it’s a pet or a person, trust is not given freely but built over time.

2. Cherish the Moments.
The time I spent with Lickie was precious. His companionship taught me to value the small, everyday moments we often take for granted. It reminded me to be present and appreciate the now, as our time with loved ones is fleeting.

3. Hug Your Loved Ones.
Our pets have shorter lifespans, which underscores the importance of showing affection frequently. Hugging Lickie and spending time with him made our bond stronger and more meaningful. It’s a lesson in expressing love openly and often.

4. Be Patient and Understanding.
Lickie’s initial aloofness required me to be patient and try to understand his behavior. This patience extended into other areas of my life, teaching me to approach situations and relationships with empathy and a calm demeanor.

5. Be a Great Support.
Just as Lickie provided me with comfort and companionship, I learned the importance of being a support system for others. Whether it’s a pet or a person, being there for someone in their time of need creates a bond that is invaluable.

Through my journey with Lickie, I learned these essential life lessons that go beyond just the relationship with a pet. They are universal truths about trust, love, patience, and the importance of cherishing our time with loved ones.

© 2024 Amelie Chambord