Do you ever...?

[Purple Fencer]

I find that sometimes, if I'm having a particularly bad day, I NEED to go and fence, even if it's not my regular night. I know some people use it as an outlet while going thorugh a divorce, for example.

For myself, well, recently I've been using the escapism angle of going to the club to take my mind off cat losses from the rescues I foster. I've lost three in the last two weeks (and when I say lost, I mean they died on me). A couple of weeks ago it was a nine-month old girl who was the sweetest thing in the world; loved everyone. Had a persistent sinus infection that we just couldn't clear, and we think it finally ate it's way into her braincase and once the bacteria got up there, it was real quick. The other two were less than 6 weeks old (out of a litter of 9) and went down because the mother's milk got toxic (bacterial infection in the teats) and it poisoned two of the kittens.

Obviously, when I go fencing tonight Sasami (the 9 month old), Mirco and Spartan will be on my mind, but sometimes I feel like to want to fence well for them.

Is that strange? Do I really care? Nope. It helps me cope. Rule #1 of cat rescue is: kittens die. Rule #2 is: volunteers can't change Rule #1.

AFter doing rescue for 6 years, I've lost more than my share of loving cats & kittens. I like to think that I'm making some sort of differance. I can't change the big problems of the world, but I can take care of my little corner of it.

Fencing's just a tool to help me deal with the harsh realities.

Sorry for the rambling. Needed to get it off my chest.

[Moonitic]

Sam, ramble any time you want!

Fencing has been great therapy for me. Maybe that's why I've been feeling so crazy & out of control lately...I haven't been fencing.

Anyhoo...you're a great guy with a HUGE heart.

[Iwant2bafencer]

I totally agree with Moon1 When I get mad I either go catcher for my friend, (Pitcher catcher for softball.) Take it out on the piano or tennis court. Or if I cant do any of those then I go into my room shut the door and turn up some of my music that isnt exactly soft. To make a long story short It totally helps cool me down. Also when I get my punching bag that'll help alot.

[Jeeves]

My job is major stress. I'm an E. R. nurse. A good day for us is when nobody dies. Sometimes, we have a good day...
When I get to the salle and fence all that trauma and emotional stress baggage falls away, my thoughts clear and my spirit lifts. I feel recharged and I'm always in a better mood when I leave the salle.
When I miss a session or two I can tell in my energy and attitude that I need that fencing recharge.

[DamedEscrime]

My energy levels soar after an evening of fencing. Usually I am so wound up when I get home that I cannot sleep. I taught 6th grade last year, which was very stressful for me. Fencing really helped me to take out my frustrations. When my colegues asked why I took up fencing I would say, so I can beat up middle schoolers and get away with it.
Fencing is stimulating in many ways and it is addicting. I am totally addicted and when I don't get to fence, I swear I have withdrawls.

[HilandDoug]

Hey, Purp, I think I can relate, sort of. My good friend Sean is an evaluator at the Michigan Humane Society, and he has to work in the euthanasia room putting down cats and dogs that aren't adopted. It gets really tuff for him sometimes because he has to put down perfectly good animals that he's evaluated that just aren't adopted out fast enough. I cannot imagine the stress he goes through, but he relieves a lot of it through his fencing. Our New Jersey trip to visit Chris Umbs for the Italian Dueling Sabre seminar and tournament were a great stress reliever for him (especially since he finished second to Chris).

My new kitten was a roadside rescue that Sean picked up and gave to a friend to foster. Actually, there were 2 kittens, and my sister took the brother of my kitten. I got my kitten for my cat Max, who I got to replace Sebastian (Sebi) who died in January of complications from a disease that affects the adrenal gland (I can't remember what it's called, but it's extremely rare in cats.) The kitten and Max are now the best of buddies, and I don't feel so bad being gone and leaving them alone.

Your kind acts of fostering animals are truly appreciated by those who care. Keep up the good work.

[DamedEscrime]

LUMBERG! ARE YOU CRAZY!!?

[Purple Fencer]

Doug,

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Dame, I agree.

Lumberg, I'm not even going to respond, save to say that if it was an attempt to be funny, it was not When you've fostered over 300 cats & kittens like I have and lost some despite all the care you've given them, then you can talk to me about what the best way to put a cat down is.

[ 08-03-2001: Message edited by: Purple Fencer ]