A Tale of Liberty---

A Tale of Liberty vs. Tyranny. (Based on real events at the McCollum Homestead)

A beautiful black Mama Cat Angel, gave birth to nine little kittens in the summer of 2020. Her people, Rob and Sharmen, were concerned as many of their beloved cats had disappeared presumably because they had been the victims of a predator or had run away. At approximately the one week mark, they moved the igloo and the remaining eight kittens (the runt was lovingly cared for in the house for a few days but passed away anyway), into Rob’s shop where they would be safe and Mama could go in and out to care for them. As they grew, they were finally allowed to run loose in there and Rob fixed a box for their food and litter pans that was only accessible to them. Rob and Sharmen started taking them outside for short periods so they could play and enjoy being outside. But, they were always gathered up and taken back into safety. But the day came when one of them did not want to be put away in the safe place. He wanted to stay outside in freedom. The shop opening was also blocked as one or two kittens had figured out the way out as well. In the shop they were safe, fed and loved but they were not free. Rob and Sharmen agreed. It was time to let them decide when the left their safe place. The hole to the outside was opened. In no time, they began their migration to the big outdoors. The igloo was placed where they could easily be safe, warm and dry. Food and water was and is placed on the front porch regularly. They are loved, cared for and free! They are a joy to watch as they romp in the grass, learn to climb trees and wait for us to give them food. Some are more friendly than others and will purr as we hold them and love them. They are happy. Their mama is near, as welll as Big Brother, TJ, and their people are attentive. Are they perfectly safe? No. They could run away, run into the road and be hit, or be taken by a predator. As long as they continue to be smart, stay near the house, and stay out of the road, they are fine! We are so pleased that none of the remaining six have been taken from us. But it would have been tyrannical to keep them locked up, safe, but in captivity. Unable to enjoy the big world outside.

Outside, they are learning to hunt mice, take care of themselves and truly enjoy the cat life they were made for. They have people to love them and really have it made.

Liberty is not always safe. It is scary. We cannot guarantee they will always be safe. They have to fend for their own safety but they are free and happy. The same is true for people. The same is true for school children being kept home so they are “safe.” Maybe they are “safe”, but they are dying inside, alone, away from their teachers, friends and social life. Away from the joy of living and being a young person.

Will you stand for the animated contest of Liberty? It is what we were made for!