Ugly
(Unknown Author)
Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who "Ugly" was.
"Ugly" was the resident tomcat. "Ugly" loved three things in this
world: fighting, eating garbage, and shall we say, love. The combination of these things
combined with a life spent outside had their effect on "Ugly."
To start with, he had only one eye, and where the other should have been was a gaping
hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot has appeared to have
been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like
he was always turning the corner. His tail has long age been lost, leaving only the
smallest stub, which he would constantly jerk and twitch. "Ugly" would have been
a dark gray tabby striped-type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, even his
shoulders with thick, yellowing scabs.
Every time someone saw "Ugly" there was the same reaction: "That's one
UGLY cat!"
All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed
him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door
when he would not leave. "Ugly" always had the same reaction. If you turned the
hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw
things at him, he would curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness.
Whenever he spied children, he would come running meowing frantically and bump his
head against their hands, begging for their love. If you ever picked him up, he would
immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.
One day "Ugly" shared his love with the neighbors huskies. They did not
respond kindly, and "Ugly" was badly mauled.
From my apartment I could hear his screams, and I tried to rush to his aid. By the
time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent "Ugly's" sad life was almost
at an end. "Ugly" lay in a wet circle, his back legs and lower back twisted
grossly out of shape, a gaping tear in the white strip of fur that ran down his front.
As I picked him up and tried to carry him home I could hear him wheezing and gasping,
and could feel him struggling. I must be hurting him terribly, I thought to myself.
Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear; "Ugly," in so
much pain, suffering and obviously dying was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer
to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye
towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring.
Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled-scarred cat was asking only for a little
affection, perhaps some compassion. At that moment I thought "Ugly" was the most
beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen! Never once did he try to bite or scratch me,
try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. "Ugly" just looked up at me . .
. completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.
"Ugly" died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for
long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter
my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and
truly.
"Ugly" taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books,
lectures, or talk show specials ever could. God, in His infinite wisdom, allowed me the
honor of spending "Ugly's" last moments with him.
Although "Ugly's" scars were visible for all to see, our scars are often
hidden from view.
God wants us to love with true compassion, sharing His love with those He places in my
path.
Many people want to be richer, more successful, well liked, good looking . .
. but for me, well, I want to be ugly.
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty
conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important
than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the
interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB)
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