“I believe in the power of unconditional love”, Hülya said. “There is nothing love cannot solve.”

She told me about her first cat. “This cat actually taught me unconditional love”, she said. “She had a kidney disease and had to undergo surgery. The doctors said she would not survive. After the surgery, she fell into coma and was supposed to die, but then she came back into life! However, she came out handicapped and had to wear walking aids (little rolls). But I took really good care of her. And even spent holidays with her. Sadly, her kidney failed again soon after, and ultimately, she passed away. But even though she died, with that continued love, I was able to adopt more cats afterwards and share more of this love.”

Unconditional love. That is a kind of love that lives on, it lives around, beyond and inside, above and below every hardship that could ever happen – whether it is brought about by the object of your love, or happening to it. It always exists. It is a power softer and stronger than anything. Cats themselves incorporate qualities that test unconditional love – and maybe, looking at cats, we can comprehend what unconditional love means. It means to love even when the loved one disappears for no reason. It means to love even when the loved one hisses at you. It means to love even when the loved one eats all your cheese. It means to love even when the loved one costs you time, nerves, and money. It means to love and embrace the good and cuddly times with the loved one just as you love and embrace the difficult and painful times together.

Hülya’s smallest is inspired by the feeling of a cat. It can be soft and tender, but can also bare its claws and scratch you. A soft red velvet cushion of unconditional love, absorbing everything: The splinters, the glitters, the precious moments, the hard and painful moments.