I think I finally passed the test so Merlin has made his adoption of me, as his mom, official

For the longest time he was like a furry little piranha. Every time I let my guard down and allowed my arm to dangle over the arm of a chair, he'd attack. He'd grab ahold and do some bunny kicks while he gnawed on my arm. Same thing would happen to my legs. He really was like a little panther. If any of the other kid cats crossed his path, he'd jump on them. Sometimes it could be exhausting. AND it was confusing because I was always so gentle with him. After the vet told me, at Merlin's first visit, that he wasn't hopeful about such a tiny kitten's chances, I became obsessed with giving him so much comfort and care. When he was finally given the 'thumbs up by the vet, his behavior seemed to change. NONE of the other kid cats behaved so playfully aggressively.

Well, over the past month, or so, his behavior has completely changed, again. He will still grab my arm or leg, but he's not biting down or digging in his claws. More often than not he gives me kisses after the gentle nibbles. He loves to jump up on my lap and give me purrs and nuzzles. Just the other night he actually started to suckle on my neck, again. He hadn't done that in ages.

Now, instead of attacking me when I walk down the hallway, he rubs up against my legs and I can pick him up with no fear of getting scratched. He's even behaving himself around guests. No more sneak attacks. He is just on affection overload. If I lean forward, near him, he runs up to give my face some nuzzles and rubs his face against mine.

So like I said in the title, maybe he was testing me to see how patient I would be and if I was worthy to be the mom of a Wizard. Apparently that holds a higher criteria than being the mom of a King, a Prince, a Duke and a Princess.

I really do feel blessed by Lady Bastet. Merlin arrived at a very tough time in my life. Months before the 2024 election I was warning people to not assume a victory. Nobody took my advice but they did do a lot of eye rolling. I had lost Sian. Therapy had stirred up a Pandora's Box of bad/sad memories. Finding Merlin was a much needed distraction because he really did need round the clock care.

Sorry for the long post. Wednesday was the 26th anniversary of my Dad's passing and fast approaching are the birthdays of my last sister and brother AND my parent's wedding anniversary so this is just 'one of those times' of the year. I try to focus on celebrating any positives in my life and Merlin is certainly one of them. Not to forget that you all are a big positive in my life.