Rachel is the very first stray cat that I came to know. She opened my heart to stray cats and, as a result, I am now a friend of a few other stray cats.
However, when I first saw Rachel, I hesitated to approach her. Why this hesitation? I realized that I had been influenced by traditional and superstitious folklore that painted a sinister picture of black cats. I was being prejudiced by the color of the cat. This was similar to humans being prejudiced by skin color.
Therefore, this hesitation was due to an unreasonable belief. So I approached Rachel. We struck up a great friendship immediately. She loves to jump unto my lap and sit. Sometimes she even falls asleep on my lap.
I named her Rachel because of Rachel Joy Scott. Rachel Scott was a sweet loving girl who loved others no matter their skin color or social status. She once befriended a mentally retarded boy who was alienated by others. She even offered to date him. Unfortunately, she couldn�t keep her promise of a date. She was killed on April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School by two teenage killers. They also killed 11 other students and a teacher.
Rachel Scott taught us to overcome prejudice. And this cute cat Rachel has done the same for me. Thus, Rachel is her name. She always answers when I call her �Rachel�. She would walk or run to me. Later, I found out that Rachel was actually male. But I still call him Rachel because I am used to it. And he doesn�t seem to mind. I have not received any complains from him.
I love Rachel and hope that our friendship will continue for a long time. |
