[Disclaimer: This is my view of the events of that day, colored by my own emotions. You might get a very different story from others in my family. Just saying…]
Now we were all enthusiastically talking about cats. Enthusiasm tempered by reason and caution, of course. We would go home and first read about cats to see if we really wanted one. Remember, I warned, a pet is a responsibility. We needed to know what we were getting ourselves into, I said. Little did I know that it was already way too late for reason. The final decision to get a cat would be made on the strength of emotion alone.
The day we drove away from Tigger was my birthday, and I awoke with a sense of gleeful anticipation. I was not fooled when no one else mentioned it: obviously they were planning something special. I would wait and be surprised.
As the day went on, nothing happened. We took the college tour, then settled in for the long trip home. Clearly they were waiting until we got home. There will be a party for me there. That was fine. I could wait.
But there was nothing at home. Nothing. Each of them went blithely back to their own pursuits as I silently unpacked and started the wash. It was clear: they had not mentioned my birthday because they had forgotten my birthday. I was very hurt.
It was about 8 PM when my husband noticed my stony silence and said, “You know we are celebrating your birthday tomorrow.”
What?! He hadn’t forgotten my birthday; he had IGNORED it! With tears and angry words I flew out of the house and across the street to Buffy. But she would not come to me. She was not interested in my troubles. She was not my cat.
The problem was not easily resolved. I was hurt and angry, my husband was hurt and angry at my hurt and anger, the kids were upset and worried. Finally I realized that someone would have to give in.
I looked at the clock. “There is more than two hours left of my Birthday; I WANT A PARTY!!!”
With relief they scattered to the task: my husband off to buy cake and flowers (thank heaven for all-night supermarkets!), the kids to decorate with streamers and balloons, and me to get out of the way.
By 11:30 all was right again. I looked around the table and made an announcement: “Tomorrow we are going to the shelter and get a cat!”
You sometimes find the strangest ways to make Your will quite plain.
You may use joyful circumstance; more often You use pain.
Lord, please do not let me forget, nor murmur and complain:
For nothing touches me by chance, it’s all meant for my gain.