Newsletter December 2024

Dear…..

The pine-fresh aroma of our Christmas tree drifts upstairs as I write to you. No artificial trees for us. That authentic forest perfume evokes memories of cherished childhood Christmases in New Zealand. Writing my latest book MICKEY provided wonderful opportunities to relive those magical days.

Throughout the three years of writing MICKEY, our beloved Jonah served as my dedicated editor-in-chief. On mornings when motivation waned, he’d shepherd me upstairs with persistent meows until I was properly stationed at my computer. Only after I’d found my writing rhythm would he retire to his prized tutu collection in the corner, but not before his ritual “teeth flossing” on the edge of my screen.

An author’s life is awash with coffee cups and self-doubt. Whenever I questioned whether readers would connect with a story about a misfit girl and her tabby in 1960s New Zealand, Jonah would fix me with his knowing Siamese-blue gaze, silently chiding my human insecurities. Having guided me through three previous cat-themed memoirs – CLEO, JONAH (After Cleo), and BONO – his opinion mattered. And true to form, he was right: the response to MICKEY has been overwhelmingly touching, confirming that in our increasingly disconnected world, our pets matter more than ever, especially to young people.

It’s hard to believe more than 16 years have passed since Jonah bounced into our lives. His story began when my sister Mary visited me in Melbourne during my recovery from a mastectomy. I’ll never forget the day she returned from her walk wearing a secretive smile. She led me down to the local pet shop where a small white acrobat of a kitten fixed me with huge blue eyes and extended his paw through the cage wire to touch my hand. I felt chosen.

From his toilet-bowl diving adventures to his legendary tutu collection (possibly making him the world’s first cat with a dedicated tutu wardrobe), Jonah brought boundless joy and mischief to our lives.

Part of the contract of inviting a pet into your household is they’ll almost certainly break your heart and leave too soon. While we’d noticed Jonah was losing weight, he still seemed to be loving life and airing occasional tutu-ed videos to adoring fans. After months of treatment for kidney failure, however, we began to realise Jonah was going to leave us.

On his final day, I carried him out to the garden and watched him make peace with an old nemesis – a pigeon. Aware Jonah was no danger to her now, the bird pecked the grass as she circled the old cat. It felt like a sacred moment, as if the pigeon was welcoming him to join Cleo, our son Sam, and other beloved family members in another realm.

Since then, the outpouring of love for Jonah has been extraordinary. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who sent condolences. Messages have arrived from across the globe – even simultaneously from Russia and Ukraine – proving that our love for animals transcends all borders and conflicts.

While this Christmas will be different without our tutu-wearing supervisor (though the tree ornaments may finally be safe!), we’re looking forward to celebrating our granddaughter Wendy’s first Christmas on Phillip Island. Her three-and-a-half-year-old sister Alice is already keeping watch for Santa’s canoe.

As this year draws to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for the cat boss I never planned for, and for readers like you who’ve shared our adventures. May your holiday season overflow with love and laughter, and may you always find time to pause and breathe in the simple joy of a fresh pine branch.

With warmest wishes,
Helen

P.S. To those who’ve sent Jonah tutus and toys over the years – especially Cindy, who arrived from Canada to present him with a dazzling white creation, and young Georgie from Tasmania, who crafted a rainbow masterpiece – thank you for making his wardrobe as colourful as his personality.