There’s an old joke that’s recently been making its rounds online again — and for good reason. It blends heart, humor, and a little bit of unexpected wit.

The story goes like this:
A sweet old cat dies and finds herself at the gates of heaven. Saint Peter greets her warmly and says, “You’ve lived a good life. What can we do to make you comfortable here?”

The cat, grateful but tired, replies, “I’ve spent my entire life in a poor family’s barn, sleeping on hard floors. A soft pillow would be wonderful.”

Saint Peter nods. “Consider it done.”

A few days later, several mice who lived hard lives on Earth also arrive at heaven’s gates. Saint Peter welcomes them too and asks what they’d like.

“We were always running from people, cats, and traps,” one mouse squeaks. “We just want some roller skates to enjoy our freedom.”

Saint Peter chuckles. “Skates it is!”

Weeks pass. Saint Peter decides to check in on the cat. “How are you liking heaven?” he asks.

The cat stretches out on her fluffy cushion and purrs contentedly. “Oh, it’s wonderful,” she says. “And thank you so much for the Meals on Wheels — those little mice on skates are delicious!”