Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 --- Mattie died 186 weeks ago today.


Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2007, right before Mattie's fifth birthday party. Looking at Mattie's cake, you probably would imagine that Mattie had a Cars themed birthday party. But that was not what happened. Mattie's fifth birthday was held at the National Zoo. It was a very unique party because we were the ONLY ones at the Zoo. Why? Because it was torrential rain! Absolutely a horrific weather day. I would have cancelled the party, but the Zoo runs the party rain or shine. They weren't kidding! I thought the kids were going to have a miserable time, but in all actuality they had a blast. It was like an adventure through a jungle filled with rain and animals. The National Zoo is infamous for its animals hiding. We have been to the Zoo countless times and never saw many animals. But that day was different all the animals were out and enjoying the rain. Needless to say, it was a birthday party to remember but not one in which I was able to take many photos!


Quote of the day: Though surely to avoid attachments for fear of loss is to avoid life. ~  Lionel Shriver

I would say that going away on vacation is a challenging notion for Peter and me. There have been many times on this trip alone, where we have debated packing up and returning home. Sometimes you think that getting away will reduce the stress or enable one to put grief on hold. But it doesn't always work out that way. We took another walk on the beach today. It was far chillier than yesterday, but the sun was still out thankfully because there was a wiping wind. Peter captured the seagulls and plovers walking with us. We had the beach to ourselves today, except for the wonderful bird traffic.

As you can see there was sand and peace for as far as the eye could see. It is lovely to walk along the beach, look at the houses, collect shells, and hear the ocean waves.

Along our stroll we came across this oyster shell. That probably wouldn't mean much to anyone at first glance. But the shell reminds us of Mattie. One of the creations Mattie made in the oncology clinic was a huge character named Dr. Crazy Hair. This doctor (made out of wood) has a lab coat, a head with feathers for hair, and rubber gloves for hands. Dr. Crazy Hair is still in Mattie's bedroom at home and he is about 4 feet tall. The good doctor has a patient toe nail in his lab coat pocket! The toenail is actually an oyster shell, but honestly the shell and an infected toenail look a lot alike. So now whenever I see a funny looking oyster shell, I think of Dr. Crazy Hair and Mattie's sense of humor!

This afternoon I had a think tank working group conference call. The beauty of technology, you can be anywhere! After the call, my head was spinning. We regrouped and went out to dinner. Through the restaurant's window, this was the sight we saw.... an Osprey sitting on a nest!