Saturday, February 10, 2024

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Tonight's picture was taken in February of 2004. Mattie was almost two years old. That Saturday, we took Mattie to the Natural History Museum in Washington, DC. We were standing in the main hallway rotunda, that featured a huge African Elephant named Henry. Look at Mattie's face.... I love his sheer amazement. Priceless!

Quote of the day: We should never underestimate the powerful draw of a bond with a being that loves us unconditionally, asking very little in return. Losing this comfort and source of joy can be incomprehensible. ~ Linda Lipshutz

Look at my boy! One of the first places we boarded Sunny when we went away was in Alexandria, VA. This was one of Sunny's report cards! I loved it so much that I clearly snapped a photo of it. Sunny lived up to his name.... he had a beautiful sunny disposition, loved people, dogs, and simply appreciated being rescued. 

Today was NOT a good day at all. I had high hopes that while my dad's physical therapist was here, I could focus on some Foundation work! FORGET IT. My dad was struggling today, he had labored breathing, which became a big concern during therapy. So I had to interface with the therapist and try to figure out what was going on. My dad's oxygen level was fine, as was his blood pressure. But if you saw him, you would think..... he's got a problem. I have noticed over the last two weeks, labored breathing and exhaustion. So despite the fact that his physicians think he is fine, I am going back at it on Monday. Of course in addition to the labored breathing, I had to take my dad to the bathroom, mid-therapy. When I thought I finally got him stabilized, the doorbell rang. My neighbor came to visit. To me, it was like the perfect storm. I literally said to myself.... there is NO PEACE in this house. I never get a half of a second to myself. 

Tonight after cleaning up dinner dishes, I opened the side door to throw out the trash. At my doorstep was this Valentine's Day surprise from my friend Carolyn. I met Carolyn at Mattie's preschool. Our children were in the same classroom together in 2005. 

When Mattie was diagnosed and in treatment, Carolyn supported us with food, gifts, and visits. After Mattie died, Carolyn took on the role of our Mattie Miracle Raffle chair. A role she has served for 15 years! The point to all of this is Carolyn has been an integral part of my life. 

But here's the thing. My life has once again become unmanageable, I am facing a very hard adjustment. Yet what I notice is that Team Mattie has once again activated and this gift today, reminded me of this incredible network. Team Mattie is another gift Mattie left behind for me! It is comprised of remarkable women and friends, who understand my despair without me expressing a word.