Saturday, April 5, 2014

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Tonight's picture was taken on April 4th of 2009. Mattie's 7th and last birthday. Mattie was in the Hospital and he celebrated it in the child life playroom with several of his close friends: Brandon, Zachary, Charlotte, Campbell, Livi, and Abbie. Pictured next to Mattie is Brandon. Brandon was Mattie's big buddy and friend in cancer. Clearly there was a difference in ages, but they were very good for each other and though Mattie did not know Brandon very long, he considered him a "best friend." Fighting cancer together can create such an instantaneous and special bond. One we will never forget. 


Quote of the day: I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable. ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

This is the glorious sight we had from the 14th floor of our hotel room. This is how we began our day! Rather ironic, since the ending looks quite different. We are now back in GREY DC! Back to concrete and in comparison to sunny and 80 degree Ft Lauderdale, it is cool.

On our way to the airport, we got stuck at the draw bridge. I am sure most people find this annoying, because they have to WAIT. I, on the other hand, love it! Mattie LOVED it when the bridges went up because he knew that meant a larger boat was passing through. We would walk up to these bridges on the half hour just to see them go up and to watch the boats go by. So it seems quite meaningful that on our way into Ft Lauderdale on Monday the bridge was up and the way out today, the bridge went right back up for us! Mattie would have appreciated both sightings!

While waiting the bridge go up we could also see six cruise ships in port. Ft Lauderdale is a huge port town and vacation spot. The weather was simply irresistible and it was hard to get back on a plane today and return home to more grayness. 

I do want to note that on our plane trip down to Florida and our return trip back we sat in a row of three. In both cases, the third seat was unoccupied. To me it seemed symbolic. I did not say anything to Peter, though he is the master of observation, so I am sure he made a mental note of it too. This third seat would have been the seat that Mattie would have sat in if he were with us. It caught my attention that no one sat in it on either trip, as if no one was meant to sit in it. It was unofficially reserved for Mattie.

When we returned home this evening, we found that our daffodils which Peter planted years ago in our commons area had finally bloomed! I suppose this is the sign that spring is here.