Susan Kimball’s featured human interest pieces always touch the heart and inspire. God bless her, she’s done it again with her recent article “Adults with special needs share reading time with cats” (Oct. 26).

She’s taken two oft-ignored segments of society and lovingly melded them in prose for our education. Few of us would know about the wonderful partnership of STRIVE and the Animal Refuge League without her reporting.

What a win-win endeavor! Everyone benefits in this therapy-for-all environment, which prepares each participant, likely living quietly with incredible potential, to better face and prosper in his or her own future. “The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Psalms 37:11).

In everyday life, we grow by giving of ourselves as the STRIVE members do, and who among us – in dire straits when terrified, lonely or confused like the homeless cats – doesn’t warm to kind attention?

Assisting others and accepting assistance are both blessings. The amazing thing is that they often occur simultaneously.

Sweet Dylan, the reportedly loudly purring cat who’s sadly lost an eye, surely knows this. When STRIVE member Fiona Shea tends him, reading and sharing love, he thanks her with feline music, giving back in his way.

I know how she and similar STRIVE readers feel, as I’ve been honored many times by a contented feline purr when my comfort was offered.

God says, “Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are Mine” (Psalms 50:10-11).

We glibly say we want to serve God. Let’s remember His creations are presented to us as He desires in all sizes and species with various abilities. Let’s treat them as He would.

Thanks, Susan Kimball.

Martha Yerxa

South Portland

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