Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2009. That day, we went outside from the second floor of the hospital. Out there was a rose garden and other outdoor spaces to escape the day to day stresses of living in an institution. Within this space was an art therapy statue of an elephant. Tile creations were glued to the elephant on a rotating basis. Mattie's nurse, Kathleen, created the 'curious George' tile (that you see here) in Mattie's honor! Mattie's left leg/foot was the only limb untouched by surgery. Therefore, Mattie used that appendage almost like an arm and hand! That left leg/foot got nicknamed, Curious George. Mattie loved that his name sake made it on the elephant!
Quote of the day: The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey. ~ Sarah Fielding
I took my parents out to lunch today! We go to the SAME place every Thursday, and have a regular server at this particular restaurant who takes care of us. Needless to say, my family has been going to this restaurant even before Mattie was born! Then when Mattie came into our lives, it turned out that this restaurant was so close geographically to his preschool and elementary school, that it became one of his favorite hang outs. If it is possible for the TV show, Cheers to exist, then this restaurant is my Cheers. We know all the managers, most of the hosts, and a good bunch of the servers.
This afternoon, while packing up my dad's tote bag, to leave the restaurant, one of the managers came over. We talk with him often! He told my mom that he has been working in the restaurant industry for 35 years. In that time, he has seen ALL sorts of families! However, in all his years he has NEVER seen anyone like ME! He asked my parents whether they knew how lucky they were to have me in their lives. The manager said that I am an angel, who is going straight to heaven. He doesn't know another adult child who takes on what I do, and I always am polite and kind to those around me. He also said I never look like a mess or seem exhausted. FUNNY!
In any case, Lou's words and feedback today meant the WORLD to me! Like tonight's quote points out, words of kindness are indeed healing to a drooping heart! It always amazes me who is absorbing and observing what I do. I remember this happening on many Princess Cruises I took with my parents. Typically on the last few days of one of our cruises, passengers would come up to me and commend me for what I was doing for my parents. Again, I was just being me and going about my own business. I do not do what I do for accolades, but I must say, when strangers take notice and comment to me, it perks me up. It perks me up because what I endure each day is not for the meek and it is very easy for me to get down on myself and my existence.
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