Back ground info: 3 years ago we got two cats Cookie and Butterscotch. Makayla loves the cats. Last year we kicked the cats out of the house because there were peeing on the furniture. Makayla loves the cats. The cats still hang around the house and mostly like the kids. Did I mention that Makayla loves the cats.
About three weeks ago Cookie went missing. (Not completely unusual.) Makayla has spent many a day calling out the windows for the missing cat.
Bed time on April 5 was just like any other (mildly controlled chaos). I was tucking the four older kids into there beds when I found Makayla crying. When asked why she was crying the reply came through sobs and tears, “Cookie has been gone for three weeks and I made tomorrow, (April 6th), the cats birthday.” I told her I was sorry and that she needed to go to bed and went downstairs. After completing my preparations for bed I went upstairs. Makayla was still sitting up in her bed crying. This time instead of getting upset or telling her to be quiet and go to sleep, (usual approach), I went to her bedside wrapped my arms around her, hugged, and told her that Cookie was probably off on some grand adventure like in the movie “Incredible Journey” and was just taking her time returning, (it’s happened before with Butterscotch). My words didn’t seem to have any effect.
I left her with another big hug and went to say my prayers before bed. After I finished talking with my Heavenly Father I found Makayla standing at my door way. “Go back to bed” would usually be the response but I took a deep breath and asked “what do you need Makayla.” She came around the bed and gave me a big hug and said “Thank you. You really comforted me.” We said good night to each other (again) and went to bed. I laid in my bed and knew that my daughter really loves me, Her Dad. I said another silent prayer and thanked God for this small opportunity that I was presented with.
Being a father is Great!!
