We don't TNVR these cats who need us without knowing that one day the dread we each face will be realized. We know that each day we spend with these mesmerizing creatures could, at any time, be the last. We always hope it will never happen, but we know. Their lives are not long by house cat standards and some live extraordinarily long lives by feral standards. And that makes us happy because it gives us more time. They make us happy as our relationships develop. A whistle and four legs spring out their hiding places as they recognize our signal, or the sounds of our cars. Just a cat, just vermin, not worth anything, so, so very untrue. Love abounds between us and them, trust is a measure of success especially when we've reached one and they respond to us so contrary to their nature. We each have those little heart flips when something new happens, each achievement, each new level of trust is as important to us as ( maybe more) than any milestone in the average person's life because we are doing the extraordinary. the unexpected work of reaching the lost hearts and souls of those abandoned. They aren't just cats, they are the special ones we've chosen to dedicate ourselves to. None of this comes lightly, we sacrifice in many ways, none of which we complain about because it's our nature. It's what gives meaning to our lives. It's also what will make the difference one day when people finally understand what it is the insane and crazy woman is actually doing. One day it will all make sense to them. In the meantime we celebrate our successes, we look forward to each visit we make with our special friends. Our hearts lift when they venture into new territory with us and finally break the barriers, we know we've made a difference and we know without a doubt that we matter. We know they love us, when they trust us, we know the bond is there. We may never touch them, but still the love is there, the trust as well. That's important. We've achieved something we never dreamed in our early years would matter so greatly to us, but it does. And then one day, the day we know will come, they day it ends, our hearts break, our tears flow, and pieces of our soul remain with them as they make their way to their everlasting home. Their memories, their stories, their presence in our lives is what makes us different, what makes us "not crazy", but compassionate in extraordinary ways.              -Mitch