Labor Day

Posted on September 6, 2021 by M. E. Murray

**Maria resting with Klyban during a fibromyalgia flare-up**

Dear Readers:

As usual, I’m behind schedule. I haven’t been able to discuss Labor Day, an important federal holiday, for many reasons, illness and taking care of my sister, who has Alzheimer’s. Fortunately, Labor Day is not over until midnight.

Before I talk about the history of Labor Day, I want to mention that I had a wonderful surprise from my dear neighbors. I was trying to relieve the pain in my back by lying down on cold packs on my bed when the phone rang. It was Jessica Woerner. This afternoon, about 2 p.m. the crew that regularly takes care of her yard was mowing my front lawn, and she called because they needed access to my backyard. I cried while I talked to her on the phone. (My husband hurt his back and hasn’t been able to take care of our yard, shrubs, etc.) What a lovely Labor Day this has been!

It’s almost time for supper, but I need to talk about my childhood and labor. I have mentioned that I grew up in an impoverished neighborhood and participated in the Medicaid program. I’m not sure how old I was when my affluent aunt needed help to pick cotton. Something had happened to the mechanical cotton harvester. That’s what I remember when she asked my family for help. I recall that we worked for a week, maybe more. I’m not sure since I was the youngest kid.

Every morning, mom, and four kids ( 2 boys and 2 girls) got a huge white bag.(Dad couldn’t help. He had to keep his shop running.) I swear it was the size of two large pillow cases. I was okay early morn, but as the day got old, that sack grew heavy, and it became a difficult object to drag through the rows of cotton plants. At the end of the day, the bags were weighed and we were paid a certain amount. I don’t remember how much we earned, though. But I’m sure I earned the least amount since my bag was not very full. What I recall is plucking cotton, from rebellious plants that scratched my delicate hands; being thirsty; and sweating buckets under that hot Rio Grande Valley sun. Plus, I was not dressed appropriately, no hat, no gloves. I sympathize with anybody who had to earn a living in this manner for years.

The following information comes from History.com,

Labor Day 2021 will occur on Monday, September 6. Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, street parades and athletic events.

Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.

In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

Many of these events turned violent during this period, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed. Others gave rise to longstanding traditions: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history.

The idea of a “workingmen’s holiday,” celebrated on the first Monday in September, caught on in other industrial centers across the country, and many states passed legislation recognizing it. Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later, when a watershed moment in American labor history brought workers’ rights squarely into the public’s view. On May 11, 1894, employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago went on strike to protest wage cuts and the firing of union representatives.

Wishing you a wonderful time today and forever. I hope we get rid of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Take care of yourselves, Dear Readers. Good Night.

Where did the “feral attribute” go?

Posted on May 23, 2021 by M. E. Murray

**Marty enjoying a relaxing moment in front of my upright piano.**

Dear Readers, We lost our five indoor cats to various illnesses: kidney failure, intestinal cancer, cancerous tumors, and thyroid issues. We suffered along with them, and took care of them as well as we could. A friend of mine used to tell me that animals let you know when it’s time to put them away. She said that they gave us a lot of joy while they were with us, and that now it was our turn to perform that last act of kindness which most animal lovers know as euthanasia. Our last kitty was 19 years old when he passed away comfortably in our doctor’s office. Probably a year went by before we adjusted to his loss. Then the next phase of assuming roles as animal caregivers appeared.

A lifetime ago, my husband and I enjoyed barbecuing chicken breasts, pork chops, baked potatoes, and vegetables of all types. While my husband barbecued, he threw pieces of meat that he didn’t approve of on our patio. Sometimes he barbecued close to nighttime and it was hard to see what was in our backyard. But he still continued to throw the rejected meat onto the patio and the yard. At the time, he thought it was a good idea to do this because hungry animals could feast on the pieces of meat that we were not using.

**Klyban and Marty relaxing on top of my sewing machine cabinet.**

One morning when we were watering the backyard with hoses and attached sprinklers (We don’t have a sprinkler system.), we noticed a mama cat and her offspring laying on the grass a few feet away from the sprinklers. The cats were enjoying the cool breeze generated by the water droplets and the gentle wind. We did not chase them away, but when we turned off the sprinklers, they sought refuge under our storage shed. It took us a while, days, to decide whether we would take care of them or find them homes through the Humane Society. It was a difficult decision to make, but we chose to take care of them.

Eventually, a black and white kitty (Klyban) became our first friend. We took him inside, and he never saw the outdoors again. His mother (Mama Kitty) and his brother (Marty) were next. However, there was only one kitty that did not want to become our friend. He was a beautiful, yellow and white cat, unfortunately, we never saw him again. As animal lovers, my husband and I always hoped that the kitty had found himself a good home. Meantime, Mama Kitty, Klyban, and Marty were happy inside our home. Our vet examined them and told us that they were part of the Fort Worth Spay and Release Program. That’s when we realized that our pets were feral cats. Worried that we might attract more needful animals, we quit barbecuing.

The years went by. Mama Kitty and Marty were still not very friendly, but Klyban was. He spent a lot of time on my lap and slept with me. Eventually, about 3 years ago, I got Marty to share my lap with Klyban. When we lost Klyban and Mama Kitty, our hearts broke, and tears flowed down our cheeks. They had been our friends for a long time, about 12 years. Three years ago, Marty became extra-friendly. I suspect it’s because he misses Klyban. Now, without any coaxing, he sits on my lap when I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner on my recliner near a small occasional table. (Fibromyalgia is responsible for this eating procedure.) When it’s time for me to go to bed, Marty hops on the bed to be by me and gives me a bunch of gentle head-butts. I give him a bunch of pats, and tell him that I love him. However, I don’t let him sleep with me because Marty has not learned that his claws are retractable. I know he means well, but I have a few scratches on my arms and legs.

Marty is probably 16 years old, and in good health. Unfortunately, he has had dental problems. In a few days, he will have a dental consult. Depending on the findings, he might undergo dental surgery or a teeth cleaning. I pray that if he needs anesthesia, he will be okay because he is a senior Kitty. Even though, it took him a long time to show us that he loves us, he has become a lovable, friendly Kitty. And I often wonder: “Where did his ‘feral attribute’ go?”

Dear readers, please pray that Marty’s dental visit is successful and that the blood work shows that he is well. Thank you for reading my blog. Stay healthy and have a wonderful day! Maria E. Murray

Today is National Pet Day

Posted on February 20, 2020 by M. E. Murray

I have two adorable pets, a cat, Marty, and a foxhound, Twister. We love them!

Marty is probably 14 years old. He used to be a feral cat, but we turned him and his brother, Klyban, and their mother into indoor cats. Klyban and Marty were very fond of each other, almost inseparable. They played, and when they rested, slept together.

Mamma Kitty

Klyban playing inside a cardboard box

One morning, about 3 years ago, Mamma Kitty suddenly vomited blood. My husband rushed her to our vet, but he called me to give me the sad news: ” Mamma didn’t make it.” We miss her a lot. She was an amazing cat, who loved to play with her toys. Many times we heard her meowing to them as if they were her children.

Unfortunately, last year we lost Klyban to lymphoma on June 26, 2019. Losing him hit me and my husband very hard. I’m sure that his death affected Marty, also. Marty was not himself for several months, and I realized that this behavior was probably due to missing Klyban. I can understand how Marty must have felt. I cried rivers when Klyban passed away and found it very hard to not see him sleeping on my bed, on the recliner, and sofa; walking around the house; and playing with Marty. For several months, every time I thought about him, tears flowed from my eyes because I no longer had him. ( I experienced the same feelings when Mamma died, but at least she didn’t suffer from undergoing cancer treatments.)

My husband and I spend as much time as possible with Marty after Klyban’s passing because we understood that there was a possibility that he was still grieving. It wasn’t until recently, perhaps this past month, that Marty started to act like himself. He sleeps and has become very affectionate. This behavior probably means he has accepted the loss of his sibling. (I’m not done with losing Klyban or Mamma; however, Marty and my husband keep me happy, and so does our foxhound, Twister.

Twister

Twister is a rescue dog. When we found him in our backyard, he was very sick. We took him to our vet and learned he had steroid responsive meningitis. Twister underwent treatments and survived, and now he’s been part of the family for approximately 11 years.

My final comment or recommendation on National Pet Day is to love and take good care of your pets. They love you unconditionally and make your life merrier when it hits a rough spot.

Happy New Year!

Posted on December 31, 2019 by M. E. Murray

It is that time again. The end of another year is fast approaching, and a lot of folks are probably making New Year’s resolutions but not me. Fibromyalgia controls my life. For example, my husband and I were supposed to spend Christmas with our relatives in San Antonio. From there, I hoped to visit my family in Brownsville. Unfortunately, two days before Christmas, something happened to my right hip. The pain was unbearable. I couldn’t take a step. (I can only imagine how Lady Gaga, who has fibromyalgia, must’ve felt when she fell on the stage during one of her performances.) Anyway, my husband brought me my walker, and I gradually made it to the bedroom, squawking from pain each time I took a step, to lie down with hot packs that he strategically placed around my hips. Needless to say, we canceled our trip.

Regarding of how I feel, I will continue writing. I will use every minute, wisely. Quitting is not my style. With God’s help, I will finish my children’s book and illustrations, and even if I didn’t get to see my sister, who is exhibiting signs of dementia, I know that I will see her next year and that she will be okay because God is taking care of her.

Twenty nineteen hasn’t been very kind to us. My husband experienced some serious medical problems, but he is a private individual, and I cannot elaborate on his ailments. I, on the other hand, am very outspoken when it comes to discussing my medical condition.

In addition to our medical problems, our beloved Kitty, Klyban, was diagnosed with lymphoma. He passed away June 26. He was being treated by an oncologist who did not listen to us. He was just supposed to see Klyban for a checkup, but he went ahead and gave him chemo. He was supposed to call us but didn’t. In my estimation, the doctor killed our Kitty. I say this because we had a rescue cat a few years ago that also had lymphoma, but he was treated with prednisone and enjoyed a happy life for a year.

There are more unpleasant things that happened to us, but I don’t want to bore you with negative thoughts. New Year’s Eve is meant to be a happy occasion. And I am more than happy to leave 2019 behind. Regardless, of the year, I am always thankful that I am alive, and that my husband, our pets, and relatives are okay.

Happy 2020! May it be a wonderful one for you, your family, and ours.

Role of Black and White Kitty in Header

Posted on November 9, 2019 by M. E. Murray

On a cold 2018 winter evening while I rested on my recliner, Klyban sat in front of my piano licking his paws. I had my “daily routine” notebook nearby, so I decided to make a sketch of my kitty. Little did I know that he would be the inspiration for a children’s chapter book that I finished in March 2019. (He played a major character.) Unfortunately, Klyban was diagnosed with lymphoma. My husband and I tried to help him as much as possible, but on June 26, our beloved kitty had to be euthanized to end his suffering. We stayed with him to the bitter end in our vet’s examination room, crying and comforting him until he passed away. I don’t need to look at the Header or pictures to remember Klyban. He was part of our family, and a special kitty that will forever linger in my heart and brain.

My Baby Kitty is in Heaven.

Posted on June 26, 2019 by M. E. Murray

June 26, our beloved kitty, Klyban, passed away peacefully at VCA Animal Hospital under Dr. Ashley Roller’s compassionate administration of euthanasia. Tears flowing from our eyes, my husband and I stayed with Klyban until the bitter end.

Klyban and his brother, Marty, enjoying quality time with me.

Klyban resting on one of his favorite spots.

Klyban’s Third Chemo Session

Posted on May 24, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Klyban sharpening his claws

May 24, 2019, we took Klyban to the veterinary oncologist for his third chemo treatment. We’re keeping a close watch on our kitty. So far, he’s tolerating the chemo meds. They haven’t given him any side effects.

Again, I ask all animal lovers to pray that Klyban undergoes a complete cancer remission. Thank you for your prayers!

Kliban My Baby Kitty

Posted on May 11, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Klyban, my baby kitty and former feral cat.

We call Klyban our baby kitty because he has a cute meow that he uses when he wants something, and it’s usually food.

Last year, we took Klyban to see his regular veterinarian because he was vomiting more often than usual. The doctor put him on a prescription diet that calmed down his vomiting; he also warned us that if we noticed Klyban was vomiting more often, we should have him rechecked. Apparently cats should vomit once or twice a month. More than that indicates a serious condition.

Klyban was doing very well until a few weeks before May 6, 2019. May 4th and 5th he was vomiting several times a day. So, we took him Monday for a checkup as soon as our clinic opened. The veterinarian examined him, discovered fluid around his lungs, and recommended that he should be taken to the emergency clinic on the south side.

May 6, 2019 we put him in the pet carrier and rushed to the emergency clinic. After many tests, the emergency doctor recommended that an oncologist should see him. More tests were performed.

Eventually, we learned that Klyban has lymphoma. The tumors are concentrated around his intestine. Surgery was not recommended because lymphoma spreads throughout the body. Chemotherapy was the best option. Klyban will undergo 25 weeks of chemotherapy.

Please pray, along with us, that he has a complete remission. We love Klyban and his brother, Marty. They love and care for each other as shown in the following picture.