My mom has been very distracted lately. Her mind’s been stuck on the worries about jobs and bills and she doesn’t seem to really see me and Isis anymore. I mean, we will curl up at her feet or jump into her lap when she’s at the computer and she absentmindedly gives up scratches and continues what she’s doing.

Isis has even taken to deliberately causing trouble in order to get attention.

Does mom not love us no more?

I tried to help out earlier, really I did. She was on the phone with those people you call when you’re a human without a job. She was getting upset with them, I could tell, but she was keeping her temper in check. I tried to help her out by jumping onto her shoulder so that I could lean in and tell those nasty humans a thing or two about how they are treating mom. The humans on the phone laughed at me and mom seemed torn between amusement and exasperation. Either way, I don’t think I helped mom any. She kind of flung her cellphone after finishing the call, gave me a pat on the head and said “Thanks for trying Denali” then left. She’s been in a funk since then.

When she’s not on the phone, looking at newspapers, or online mom is holed up in her room reading. I tried to get her out of her room but my plans all failed miserably. Isis says right now the best we can do is to let mom know we’re there for her. I tried to join in on mom’s favorite activities. It wasn’t like I thought it would be.

Is mom getting tired of us? Is her sadness because of not having a job anymore or is it us too? I’m so confused and just want my mommy back to normal.