Friendly and welcoming, to strangers or guests.
This is often used in reference to lodgings, and also to environments. Where will I be comfortable? Antarctica or the Hilton, or somewhere in between? For me, and I suspect most of us, it depends on the day. Hospitable comes from the same root as hospital and hospice, the old French meaning of hostel or shelter, often for the needy.
I’ve been thinking about hospitality and hospice lately, as Lucy the cat is failing. She’s twenty and her years are catching up with her. We’ve been focused on creating a hospitable environment for her, making things as comfortable as possible. Steps up to her favorite perches, the food and drink she enjoys, gentle touch and scratch when she’s in the mood; a welcoming lap. So far, so good, and its challenging, as she is sometimes fussy and its difficult to figure out what she is wanting.
As is often the case with those who are towards the end of life, things are variable. She’ll have a bad day, seeming more disoriented, and BA and I will wonder “is it time?”. And then, she’ll have a good stretch. Last night she slept comfortably for several hours, ate the food that was left out for her, and this morning she’s going about the house, being her “normal” naggy self, wanting to go outside, going from room to room with ease. She’s settled for the moment, sitting on my lap as I write. This may explain my sore neck from having my laptop to one side.
Its a tricky balance between hospice and hospitality on this journey. Living is an important part of dying, and vice-versa. Whether with cats and other companion animals or humans, we are challenged to be hospitable to those around us, and also to be hospitable to the process, acknowledging its presence. It is challenging to welcome something that brings so much uncertainty along with its inevitability, and yet when we avoid the issue, we deny ourselves and those we love something that is potentially rich and meaningful.
What will be the next on this particular journey in my household. I don’t know, but we are doing our best to be present. And as Lucy herself would put it: Stay Tunaed!
In response to today’s Ragtag Daily Prompt: Hospitality
Come visit the Ragtag Community site and follow to get your daily prompt and enjoy the contributions of fellow respondents.
Curious Steph 
A lovely post Steph in so many ways – we care for our elderly pets as best we can and sometimes it is all about making them comfortable, letting them know they are loved without putting them through any unnecessary suffering. It looks as if Lucy is not ready to leave just yet and that is a great opportunity to enjoy her company and cherish all the time you have together :o) xxx
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Xenia. I suspect you know this journey well. ❤️🐶🐱
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You are very welcome Steph, it is a different journey for each and everyone of them – Lucy will let you know when she is ready xxx
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I expect so, all her predecessors have.
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Our 16 year old Shih Tzu is blind and getting deaf but she gets around pretty good so far. Fish oil is important, in these older pets, to prevent strokes and mental decline.
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With again pets, we are always on the cusp of long enough or wait a while. We have come to the point of letting them go on a good day, if we can, but that is not always possible. Sometimes, especially dogs, simply fall apart. The day before, they seemed okay but today, they are deathly ill and you find out that they are full of cancer and they didn’t mention it to you. Until today. Their last day. It’s good to have a little time at the end, a little time to say good-by.
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It’s a tightrope for sure. And goodbyes matter
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This is hardest part of being owned by a pet, Steph. We always took the position that when our animals found no joy in eating anymore, then it was time.
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That’s a big sign, I agree. That drop off of interest in eating and awareness.
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Lovely reflective post, thank you for sharing, and acknowledging Lucy as the inspiration 🙏🏼
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Thank you, G!
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We are also in the “twilight days” of a beloved pet, so I could really relate to this post. I wish you all the best as you navigate this time and work hard to keep Lucy comfortable and happy.
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Thank you, Annn, and all the best to you as well
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