Monday, July 25, 2022

Monday, July 25, 2022

Tonight's picture was taken on July 25, 2009, my last birthday with Mattie. That day, Mattie's child life specialist gave Mattie a cake to give to me. We had it at home and I am glad Peter captured this photo of us together. As you can see Mattie's hair was growing back since he was off chemotherapy. However, about ten days after this photo was taken we learned that Mattie's cancer was terminal. Yet in that moment of time we knew Mattie wasn't feeling well, but it would never have dawned on us that his cancer would come back with a vengeance only 6 weeks off of treatment. 

Quote of the day: Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation. ~ Papyrus greeting card

My day started with opening my eyes and seeing a big gift bag on my dresser. I have no idea where Peter found the time to get me anything, but that is the beauty of Peter. All very touching and meaningful gifts, one of which was an angel holding a dog. The title was 'angel of friendship,' to symbolize Me and Sunny! 

Since my parents have moved to Virginia we have ventured to about three or four restaurants. All of which are owned by the Clyde's restaurant group. You may think one would get bored going to the same place week in and out, but it doesn't given the cognitive issues we are balancing. 

Therefore, over these last 9 months, I have gotten to know several servers and the managers at these restaurants. You can't miss us coming into a restaurant, as I am carrying a pillow for my dad to sit on, a tote bag filled with his toiletry items which are needed for bathroom accidents, a blanket for my mom, and the list goes on! 

This is a photo of me with Cheryl! Cheryl works at Willow Creek in Ashburn, VA. She is a class act. Over time we have gotten to know each other and we share many similarities. Her son is a brain cancer survivor and her mom had dementia. Last night, Cheryl surprised me with dessert and a birthday gift. 

Peach cobbler! Made with fresh Virginia peaches. I am a peach fan, so this was appreciated. But more than anything, I am just touched that Cheryl would think of me and wanted to celebrate my birthday. As I told her, through these 9 months we have become friends. 

Cheryl's gift to me. Notice the sunflower and butterfly on the bag! She is aware of my attachment to both. 

Inside the bag was this charming butterfly box filled with a necklace and sunflower pin. 

After we picked my dad up at the memory care center today, we went out to another Clyde's. This one is in Rockville, MD. Pictured with me is Dawn. We met Dawn when she used to work at the Reston, VA Clyde's (before it shut its doors in May of 2022). We are so fond of Dawn, that we make the trek from Virginia to Maryland to see her once or twice a week. Dawn lost her husband to cancer and yet again I have bonded with someone over loss and trauma.

Dawn surprised me today with flowers, a very meaningful card, a bottle of wine, and dessert!

The card is so charming and inside the card was tonight's quote! 

Peter snapped this photo of us. 

A confetti cupcake. Mattie would have been proud, as he was a major cupcake fan!

My kitchen counter is filled with cards and I am very honored to be thought of by so many.