Feral cat : When Ghost first showed up on our back deck, we would only see him out of the corner of our eye. If we would turn our head to look straight on, no one was there (hence his name “Ghost”) After several years, I am able to lean out of the back door to feed him, pet him, and even get head butts and kitty kisses. Only a week ago I was able to actually walk out onto the deck, stand beside him (when he was on the rail), and pet and rub him. I was so happy I actually cried.

Over the years, Ghost occasionally would disappear for days or weeks. Once he even was gone for several months. I would get so worried when he was gone, but he always comes back.
This past summer Ghost developed a hot spot near the base of him tail, which I treated with prednisolone and antibiotics. (Pill pockets in his food worked very well.) However, about a week ago he developed an abscess at the site, which I could not get under control. I was trying to figure out how to get him to the vet and tend to him as he healed, but again Ghost disappeared. He has been gone for almost a week now, and I’m very worried. The abscess was getting worse and the weather is getting cold, and I’m so very afraid for him (and a little guilty that I didn’t capture him sooner). I’m actually going through a grieving process, something I haven’t felt before when he was gone.
Please try to connect with Ghost, and see if he’s alright. Tell him I love him and miss him. Tell him I want to take care of him. Ask him if he needs me to look for him (I have looked already, but I’m willing to look again). Ask him if there is anything else I can do for him. I’m so worried and scared for him.
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When we connected with Ghost, we loved what he shared:

Ghost said Ghost cannot have the boundaries you want for Ghost’s safety out of your fear. Ghost needs to be unfettered and free.Ghost was able to accept with gratitude all your kindness for so long and will again. Ghost needs to care for Ghost the way that makes Ghost feel good. Thank you for the guardian angel because this does help Ghost feel loved and protected.

Then we heard back:

Hi Ladies!

Thank you for the session last night; I was already feeling calmer early in the evening. Ghost actually came to see us last night. I was so happy to see him, and got some head butts and was able to “scritch” his head and neck for a few minutes. I talked to him and told him that we love him and worry about him. He ate about 12-13 ounces of canned food and cleaned his face, then he was gone.

I did not see signs of the abscess, but the skin at the base of his tail is very red and raw. Hopefully, with the help of his angel, he will continue to heal. I just want him to know that I love him and that we’re here for him if he ever needs us. But we also understand him and respect his need to be “unfettered and free.” He’s been “with” us for several years and hopefully he’ll be with us for many more.