Sunday, August 14, 2022Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008, soon after Mattie was diagnosed with cancer. That day, he went for a walk with Peter, our neighbor JP and his dog, JJ. Mattie loved JJ and always wanted a dog of his own. I am grateful that Mattie at least had JJ in his life. Prior to Mattie's diagnosis, he would be running around with JJ and had no problem holding his leash. But after his diagnosis, Mattie was a bit more fearful and this translated in his behavior around JJ.
Quote of the day: The only thing that is ultimately real about your journey is the step that you are taking at this moment. That’s all there ever is. ~ Eckhart Tolle
This photo was taken on August 14, 2020. It was my parent's 60th wedding anniversary. Though we were in the throws of COVID, I arranged for a dinner gathering with two friends of theirs and we sat outside in the heat. At that point, my dad was two months post-recovery from being hospitalized for two weeks (urinary sepsis and an impacted colon). This hospitalization sent his dementia spiraling downhill, as he went into the hospital with early stage dementia and came out with delirium, which when stabilized left him with moderate stage dementia. It is truly hard to imagine that my dad was able to think for himself, shower and dress himself without assistance up until May of 2020.
This photo was taken on August 14, 2013. We were on a European cruise and we celebrated my parent's anniversary on the ship. Traveling with my dad was challenging (not like now) but it still had its issues. I am thankful they did all of these trips, because getting around now would take an act of God.
This evening, Peter and I are taking my parents out and though these milestones look and feel different now, I still feel it is important to acknowledge these moments in a way that works for them.
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