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I Got A Cat For My Sick And Grumpy Grandpa, And He Turned His Life Upside Down
I've been photographing my grandfather, Jiji, since I had no clue how to use a camera. One day, 94-year-old Jiji’s life was turned upside-down by Kinako the cat.
Since the War ended, for 64 years, Jiji commuted to his office, but in 2009 he was sent to the hospital. The doctor said he was sick. The once outgoing man gradually lost his interest in life and became grumpier than ever. It was around that time that I brought Kinako to live with us.
An extraordinary friendship gradually grew between the two. Who would have thought that a timid kitten would befriend a grumpy old man! The border between human and animal melts, just as shy Kinako melted Jiji's heart.
More info: akiko-dupont.com
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Love
This one is my fave I must admit. The emotion coming from this photo is strong, comforting and most importantly genuine. There is peace in this photo.
Unison
One Love
Side By Side
Wouldn't it be awesome if they both were dreaming about the same thing! Like a delicious fish...
Better Together
Stripe-y Afternoon
"I'll Be Watching You"
Me Time
Seriously, cuteness overload, I consider myself a dog person but I may have to change!
Kitty Fishing
What a wonderful bond between man and beast. It is truly amazing how pets have such a profound effect on us and (hopefully) we to them.
I do cat sitting, funny i always say the same if i play with them with a cat stick : cat fishing :D <3
Pen Fence, Paw Fence
Love the glimpse into a foreign newspaper. I am so fascinated with character-based languages and their relationship to phonetics.
"Hey There"
Kinako The Cat
Every Night, Working Together
Hey, at 94 if I could be half as good as Jiji then it will be alright. Senior citizen goals...
Jiji The Grandpa
Chilling
"Off I Go. Me Time!"
Along With The Sun. Breakfast Together
Itadakimasu: Jiji's Dinner
There Will Be Days Like This
Beautiful post thank you for your art. It was touching, meaningful and told a beautiful story.
Gochisosama: Was Kinako's Dinner
Cats always have a way of getting anywhere-especially into people's hearts
Thanks everyone for taking a look! Hope Jiji and Kinako gave everyone a warm smile.
I think many younger people think its funny to laugh at the grumpy old folks, I know I could never understand that mentaility. But now at 52 years old, I can start to understand it. You look back on your life and wonder what the hell it was for? The simplest things can be a very large pleasure, such as the companionship of an animal, that simply needs love and attention without drama and lack of dignity that people bring into an equation. Especially when the older person cannot do the simple things they've always done in the past. This gentleman now has a reason to live. I am sure his caretaker does the best they can but it can humiliating when the once adult in the room is reduced to being cared for like a child. Glad he found a way to help him enjpoy his remaining days.
You've got to love a big ginger kitty. It's 100% unscientific, but they tend to be the loviest huggiest cats around.
Why would you say the cat turned his life upside down? That makes no sense. I thought the cat ruined his life or something.
Laughter is called "the best medicine" but I know that the real best remedy, for almost any ailment is LOVE! Grandpa knows!
Beautiful story, WONDERFUL photography!!! (WHY is he always cutting up the newspaper???)
Very beutiful, and funny, and heart-tugging. Best wishes and prayers and love to you all.
Sometimes, the most beautiful bonds are between an elder and animal. Neither of them want more than love and companionship. What a beautiful story and lovely pictures. Both of their lives are a bit brighter for the company.
I consider myself a dog person but I have to say....these could ALMOST convert me. I don't know what I love more, the story behind it all or the bond between your grandfather and the cat. It's all so dear. Is that your grandmother in the background of one of the pictures? If it is, what does she think of all this?
these are extraordinary pix...the love between these two is so vibrant and genuine. These are just fantastic...they should be displayed in an art gallery...really!!!
Perhaps it's easier for an older person to identify with a cat than it is to identify with younger generations of one's own family.
Thank you for sharing, Akiko! I felt a lot of joy seeing the two pals, but also sadness because I miss my Japanese auntie....
I am in love! I love this kitty and I think your grandpa looks like he has an amazing heart of Gold.
your grandpa was chosen by the kitty, that's how best relationships happen
"Turned his life upside down" means the cat destroyed his life, and obviously that's not what the post is about so why say that!?!
Not every life is good...turn a bad life upside down, it becomes good
Load More Replies...Enjoyed it, great photos adorable story would like to see it on going
Cats always have a way of getting anywhere-especially into people's hearts
Thanks everyone for taking a look! Hope Jiji and Kinako gave everyone a warm smile.
I think many younger people think its funny to laugh at the grumpy old folks, I know I could never understand that mentaility. But now at 52 years old, I can start to understand it. You look back on your life and wonder what the hell it was for? The simplest things can be a very large pleasure, such as the companionship of an animal, that simply needs love and attention without drama and lack of dignity that people bring into an equation. Especially when the older person cannot do the simple things they've always done in the past. This gentleman now has a reason to live. I am sure his caretaker does the best they can but it can humiliating when the once adult in the room is reduced to being cared for like a child. Glad he found a way to help him enjpoy his remaining days.
You've got to love a big ginger kitty. It's 100% unscientific, but they tend to be the loviest huggiest cats around.
Why would you say the cat turned his life upside down? That makes no sense. I thought the cat ruined his life or something.
Laughter is called "the best medicine" but I know that the real best remedy, for almost any ailment is LOVE! Grandpa knows!
Beautiful story, WONDERFUL photography!!! (WHY is he always cutting up the newspaper???)
Very beutiful, and funny, and heart-tugging. Best wishes and prayers and love to you all.
Sometimes, the most beautiful bonds are between an elder and animal. Neither of them want more than love and companionship. What a beautiful story and lovely pictures. Both of their lives are a bit brighter for the company.
I consider myself a dog person but I have to say....these could ALMOST convert me. I don't know what I love more, the story behind it all or the bond between your grandfather and the cat. It's all so dear. Is that your grandmother in the background of one of the pictures? If it is, what does she think of all this?
these are extraordinary pix...the love between these two is so vibrant and genuine. These are just fantastic...they should be displayed in an art gallery...really!!!
Perhaps it's easier for an older person to identify with a cat than it is to identify with younger generations of one's own family.
Thank you for sharing, Akiko! I felt a lot of joy seeing the two pals, but also sadness because I miss my Japanese auntie....
I am in love! I love this kitty and I think your grandpa looks like he has an amazing heart of Gold.
your grandpa was chosen by the kitty, that's how best relationships happen
"Turned his life upside down" means the cat destroyed his life, and obviously that's not what the post is about so why say that!?!
Not every life is good...turn a bad life upside down, it becomes good
Load More Replies...Enjoyed it, great photos adorable story would like to see it on going