Of a pet lost and a pet being found

This story does not yet have an ending ... but I've decided that's no reason to not to tell it. As life always does, this saga will unfold in its own way and its outcome will be whatever is meant to be ... even though it almost began with a little white lie.

You see, I had toyed with the idea of telling my husband that I wanted a baby ... when, at age 47, I didn't want a child at all. So why would I be willing to tell such a seemingly pointless lie? Because what I really wanted was a cat and that plea had fallen on deaf ears before. Because, although I knew my husband wouldn't believe this teensy fib, I desperately needed leverage in our negotiations. And because, even when it wouldn't work, I knew I'd have gotten Frank's attention. Finally.

Two years earlier, we had put our 19-year old cat Bear to sleep and it took some time to recover from that loss. Time to move past the echoes of his morning wake-up calls and past the shadows of his once lithe body racing down the hall. Most of all, however, we needed time to rediscover the courage needed to risk our hearts again. But when that time came ... when we were emotionally ready and I brought up the topic of a new pet, Frank demurred. And, darn it, he typically had common sense on his side.

I had just started my own business. Frank was taking classes and working full-time. Time was scarce and cash flow was strained. Even when income levels rebounded, I couldn't guarantee it would remain so. And responsible pet ownership comes with a price tag.

Eventually work became steady and lucrative, but Frank still hesitated. He didn't want to actively seek a pet. You see, these were days of magical thinking, days when my husband would blithely assure me that when the time was right, a cat would -- for all intents and purposes -- manifest itself in our lives. This from a man who scoffs at The Secret, arguing that the marketing has never been so keen for a secret before. I understand about the gimicry, but how can a gal argue about synchronicity?  Especially one who has come to believe that there is a timing, if not a purpose, to life beyond her understanding.

So, while the baby lie remained untold, just a joke among friends -- “That would be some hairy baby! Ha! Ha! Ha!” -- during that time, life was, apparently, finding a way.

To be continued with PART 2 in this continuing series on July 9th.

Comments

[Brenda replies]

Bimmy --
Thanks for your comments! Sometimes I think there truly IS something behind the power of thought helping reality materialize ... and then, other times, I'm not so sure! This one surely worked out perfectly! And, I certainly have rarely, if, ever suffered because wished for events didn't materialize; I consider myself very blessed!

[Bimmy the Bookish]

Well, it could work Brenda - I was more than happy to get a kitten each for my three teenage daughters to stave off comments about having babies!
The then litter we went to see had three kittens:)
Watch out - the power of thought is awfully strong!