For that which I would risk my life.

On Friday, I was late! And as you know that's a compulsory thing for me; however, when it comes to a photo shoot, I am always on time (Okay, 99% of the time). So when I was already five minutes late and the dude sitting in the truck two cars ahead of me slams on his breaks in the middle of State Street, of course I might swear under my breath. But I didn't. I just smiled and swerved around him.

As I pulled alongside Mr. Truck, I realized why he'd stopped. Just feet from the threat of his tires was a tiny charcoal kitten. My bleeding heart leapt in my chest, and panic flooded me. The kitten was headed across four lanes of traffic (two northbound and two southbound).

Like Mr. Truck, I slammed on my breaks and allowed the kitten to pass. But with horror I realized the kitten's death was sure to come. Just a half mile down the road the next stop light turned green and on-coming traffic approached at a sickening pace.

Without thinking, I flipped a U-turn on State Street, cutting across all lanes of traffic. I threw the van into park on the opposite side of the road (the side that the baby kitten was headed) and flung my door open. With one hand I motioned for the on-coming cars to stop, while using my other hand to honk the horn like a mad-woman. The cars in the lane nearest slowed. But beyond that lane, a semi-truck barreled down State Street headed right toward the tiny kitten padding its way across the road.

I panicked. The kitten's imminent death flashing in my mind. I didn't stop to think past that.

And I ran straight onto State Street. Holding my hands up, as if that might stop a Semi. But maybe it was luck on my side, or Heavenly Father watching over me, but the semi stopped in time. I reached down and picked up that kitten.

Or so I tried.

That damn kitten ran from me after I risked my life to save it! I chased after it for a half second and pounced on it. As I returned to the side of the road, with the little gray furball clutched to my chest, car after car passed with a thumbs up and a wave. It took at least an hour for the pounding beat of my heart to slow. You know, risking your life and all can really kick your adrenaline into overdrive.

And now, I present to you the newest member of our family:

State Street (Lizzy) Summerill