HOW STREET CAT BOB CHANGED MY LIFE

Yesterday was a wonderful Monday afternoon and I was celebrating the birthday of Fuzzy Fate, Pants, with some treats and a long afternoon snuggle. If I’d only known that, at the same time, some 5500 miles away in London, my pal, Street Cat Bob, was making his journey over the Rainbow Bridge…

For those who may not be familiar, Street Cat Bob was a cat, originally found injured and alone in 2007 by recovering addict and busker James Bowen. ‘James took care of Bob who, in turn, gave him a reason to awake each morning. James & Bob quickly became inseparable, busking and selling the Big Issue on the streets of London.’ The two, ultimately, had their incredible and heart-warming story published in the book, ‘A Street Cat Named Bob,’ which became an international bestseller. With two additional sequels as well as children’s adaptations, the duo have sold over 8 million books translated into 40 languages. Bob even starred as himself in the Hollywood film adaptation in 2016 and another called, “A Gift from Bob,” due later this year.

My life’s path intersected with Bob & James’ in what I can only characterize as some outlandishly cosmic twist of fate and fortune. After having lost my good friend and cat, Satire, I turned to ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ to help ameliorate the pain I was experiencing. In re-reading the book, I had a bit of an epiphany which served as the catalyst for me to start my own social enterprise to help save the lives of disadvantaged kitties, the story of which can be found here.

I felt so compelled to offer my gratitude to James & Bob for their inspiration that I decided to jump on a plane, fly to London and thank them in person. Through a series of improbable events and people, I was able to meet, thank, and, ultimately, befriend them. Of course, with me being in Los Angeles and them in London, we didn’t necessarily hang out every day. Nevertheless, we did, indeed, have us some grand adventures. From dining in bistros, backstage at rock clubs, to late night travels on the Underground, to simply chilling, I had some of the greatest moments of my life with Bob.

I have always cherished those moments, particularly today when I realized there would never be any more. And as I struggle to write this, consumed by a veritable veil of tears, I reflect back on the entire arc of my relationship with Bob and all the things that he has taught me, both directly and indirectly, and share a few of what I think are the most valuable. What is certain is that my life has been changed, indelibly and for the better, for having Bob and James in it.

OPEN A BOOK & CHANGE YOUR LIFE

I have written before on the power that books possess to alter lives, but never had this occurred in such a personal way. It would have been literally impossible for me to imagine the transformative journey that occurred by picking up a book way back when.

Something intended for solace and comfort amid personal tragedy served to open my eyes and inspired me to start a business for the exclusive purpose of helping others in need. Beyond that, the initial journey (that still continues) accelerated and widened, forever evolving my ideas of kindness, social issues, and selflessness. I’ve made new friends, helped others, and added so many wonderful experiences to my life. All of this change, growth and joy by simply opening a book.

WE ARE ALL GIVEN SECOND CHANCES EVERY DAY

The last sentence in ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ is, by far, the most powerful. It reads, “Everybody needs a break, everybody deserves that second chance. Bob and I had taken ours.” Its power lies in the fact that it is an unequivocal truth. It also embodies the very heart of redemption: the possibility – the hope – that all our tomorrows can be better than today and all our yesterdays.

Since reading that line, I have thought about it at least weekly. It has profoundly affected the way I choose to make decisions in my life (or admonish myself for continuing to make the wrong ones). I’ve found the urgency inherent in the “don’t wait, take your chance today” message to be particularly motivating. It is precisely the reason I started my social enterprise. It is the reason I went to meet Bob & James in person. It is the reason I am writing this now, even when it hurts the most.

The reality is that, in fact, we are given second chances every day. The question is do we actually take them? Will we choose to muster the courage to try?

KINDNESS IS THE TRUEST OF VIRTUES

I have always considered myself a kind person. Then I met Bob. If you can envision sitting for a few hours on one of the busiest streets in the world, rife with an unfathomable racket, incessant crowds, being mobbed by amateur paparazzi, and a streaming horde of well-intended, but annoying folks reaching out to grope you, while you just calmly sat there in a zen-like state exuding good cheer, well, then you get a sense of the otherworldly-level of kindness that Bob had.

Not just Bob, but James as well and, frankly, nearly everyone in their orbit possess a “beyond a reasonable expectation-level of kindness.” I’d never quite experienced anything quite like it and it was invigoratingly infectious, if there is such a thing. It made me examine my own ideas of kindness to understand that there was quite a distance to where I could actually be. In short, Bob, James and company proved that kindness is the truest of virtues. Admittedly, I’m still nowhere even close, but each and every day I make the effort to bridge that gap.

NEW FRIENDS & NEW ADVENTURES

The entire journey that unfolded after reading the book led to the beginning of many new friendships and some pretty amazing adventures. Through all of this, outside of Bob, I’ve met so many wonderful people in London and the UK. At home, my social enterprise had led to even more friendships and connections. It is because of this that we found Max & Pants, the Fuzzy Fates, and now have the wonderful family that we do.

All of these friends and fantastic experiences have enriched my life in uncountable ways and I am forever grateful. Moreover, I am also grateful for all the new future friends and memories yet to be made as this journey continues.

LIGHT UP THE SKY

Immediately after the publication of ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ in early 2012, Bob became a global superstar. Deservedly so, as he is, and will continue to be, the embodiment of love, kindness and inspiration for millions of people. Bob transcended the beauty of his own story which would have been more than enough. He and James then leveraged their voice and celebrity to not only bring joy to others but worked diligently at actively supporting and raising awareness for such noble causes as homelessness and helping other disadvantaged animals.

It’s an admirable legacy of love. While I will never come close, I will always keep trying my best. Frankly, I’d be happy if I could generate even 1% of the smiles that Bob did over the course of my lifetime.

Bob sure made it his mission to “light up the sky” and while he set an exceedingly high bar, it’s one certainly worthy of pursuit.

ARE YOU CHASING EVERY SUNSET? ARE YOU FACING EVERY FEAR?

Perhaps a few of you may recognize the line above. Ten words that, in my opinion, encapsulate, Bob & James’ entire story: Being down and out and joining forces to beat the odds. Love, friendship and loyalty. Surviving together on the streets. Hope & salvation. Saving each others lives. Becoming your best.

While all of our individual stories is different, we, each of us, can connect to something in the above. I’ve always viewed it as a sort of positive reinforcing feedback loop – interlinking narratives that serve to push me to make each day worth living, to be more kind, to evoke a smile or laughter, to conquer my fears and strive to be my best.

BOB’S FINAL LESSON

When I learned of Bob’s passing early this morning, I was stunned. It was beyond surreal. I was unable to comprehend a world without Bob in it. Before the initial wave of heartbreak and tears could hit, I immediately went out to take a walk on a secluded country road. It wasn’t long before the volley of grief came. As I made vain attempts to keep my eyes dry, I saw up ahead in my blurred vision a fluffy ginger cat. He had run onto the path. He paused to look at me ever so briefly and then quietly disappeared into the shrubs.

It was in that very moment, I immediately realized – right then and there – that Bob had just taught me the most important and valuable of thing of all: Those who have made a profound impact on us; those who have truly changed our lives for the better can, and do, live eternally in our hearts.

You’ll be deeply missed, Bob. It is an honor to call you friend and I am eternally grateful we got to have a few adventures together. Most of all, thanks for changing my life. Love life over the Rainbow Bridge and I hope you bring as much joy there as you did here.