Monday, June 24, 2024

Monday, June 24, 2024

Tonight's picture was taken in June of 2009. This photo was taken a few days after Mattie's lung surgery. As you can see, Mattie was exhausted! His cancer buddy, Jocelyn, gave Mattie, 'Sunshine!' Sunshine was a stuffed animal -- albino boa constrictor. Jocelyn knew that Mattie loved all creepy crawlers. It is hard to image that both Mattie and Jocelyn died from osteosarcoma and they are no longer with us. 

Quote of the day: You weren’t just a star to me. You were my whole damn sky. ~ Unknown

I am in so much physical pain today, I do not know how I even got out of bed. In addition to back and hip pain, I also have a full fledged migraine. But in my house, things do not stop for me or my issues. After dropping my dad off at his memory care center, I drove my mom into the city for a nail appointment. 

The salon we go to, is like going home to me. It is located right next to where we used to live, and I started going to this salon when I was in my late twenties. They make the best cappuccinos. Typically I don't drink coffee, but there I do! This was made for me today. I celebrate all these little perks and I reflect on when my marriage was intact.

When I got home later today, I found several packages at my front door. Chocolate and IcyHot Patches (for my intense back pain)! It is like receiving a big hug from my cousin Cheryl. Cheryl and I are NOT related by blood and ironically we have NEVER met one another. Yet through my writings over these 15 years, Cheryl has gotten to know me and I am grateful for her support, love, and belief in me. 

Since December, one of our video cameras outside our home has not been working. I had asked Peter to help me call the company and get it fixed. Since that never happened, I scheduled a call with the company today. I was on the phone with David, a tech, for over an hour. I was running in the house, out of the house, on a ladder, and juggling a cell phone and an ipad! Needless to say, between David and I, we got the system working again. I know this may sound silly, but I felt like I accomplished something. Another task done that I wasn't sure I could figure out on my own. I may not be able to figure stuff out by myself, but I am good at asking for help, direction, and guidance. 

Three things I am grateful for:

1. Icy Hot patches and CHOCOLATE!
2. A beautiful cappuccino. 
3. David, the patient, kind, and capable tech who solved my problem.