Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Tuesday, December 26, 2023 -- Mattie died 743 weeks ago today.

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2005. That day we took Mattie to Tower Oaks Lodge in Maryland. This was one of his favorite restaurants, because out front they had a little pond filled with fish and turtles. That day, I had Mattie pose by some of the bushes and this cute photo was featured on the front of our 2005 Christmas card. 

Quote of the day: When someone is in your heart, they’re never truly gone. They can come back to you, even at unlikely times. ~ Mitch Albom

This cute light up glass Christmas tree came from my mother-in-law. She kept this tree in the guest room and whenever we were there at Christmas time, we used the tree as a night light. Now this tree has been passed down to me. It symbolizes happier times, when Mattie was still alive, our parents were healthy and strong, and anything in life seemed possible. 

Both the roses and the vase were gifts to me at Christmas. Don't you just love these big and bold Mattie orange roses? I also love the vase with bright red cardinals on the glass. Both symbolic of Mattie!

This afternoon, I had a friend over for lunch. I haven't seen him for two years since my parents moved in. We had a good time reconnecting and I served homemade turkey soup, rolls, crackers, and left over stuffing and sweet potato souffle from Christmas. I am so glad I invited friends over yesterday and today, as it helped to brighten a very dark time in my life.