Tam Estavida Cat Portrait Study
When Tam Estavida Cat was just a kitten, no more than a few days old, his health and very life were hanging by a thread. Thanks only to myriad serendipitous good graces and kind hearts did he even pull through. While one wouldn’t think memories at that age would take hold, these did. Tam knew he wanted to give the same support, love and kindness to others in need. And so, many years later, he became a doctor.
On his breaks at the hospital, he joins so many in wonder as they stand, faces pressed to the nursery window, marvelling at the new life resting there. Being a doctor, Tam sees a lot. Of lives new, of lives lost, of lives challenged, and lives filled with hope and opportunity. He’s learned that whether a life lasts one fleeting second or an entire century, it’s significant. Why is it, he muses, that those gathered at that window are so enamoured by the tiny infants. Almost as if we believe that, with each passing day, our lives lose a little of that glow, sparkle, wonderment?
During his patient visits, with stethoscope to chest after chest, he thinks about this. If a life of even one heartbeat is meaningful and precious, then shouldn’t every single, successive heartbeat be treated with the same reverence; as being a gift, and just as meaningful and precious? Rather than wishing and wasting moments away, there is strength; awareness; wisdom; and evolvement to be mined. Tam started looking for the treasures in each. He soon realized that even in the most challenging times, even in experiences of hardship or sorrow, there were sparks of joy and growth and connection to be found.
On days when the hospital is in full triage mode and stress and heartache are palpable, Tam will pause for a quick moment, put his trusty stethoscope to his lips and remind himself with a whisper that life is right here, right now, and that every single heartbeat matters.
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Portrait Study, 8x10” or 9x12” in protective cello. Each Portrait Study is accompanied by a whimsical tale of the animal featured. Entirely collectible, the stories intertwine, creating a much-loved community of characters. We print on a luxurious 318 gsm, 100% cotton paper. Soft and durable, this paper showcases crisp detail and vibrant colour.
We donate a portion of gross sales to animal welfare.