Saturday, August 13, 2022

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. It was labor day weekend and our niece and nephews came into town to visit with Mattie. Also that day, several of Peter's friends from his Arthur Andersen days came to visit and brought gifts. Our room was the size of a shoe box, but we all crammed in and people from all of our community truly tried to support us and Mattie. The energy from Team Mattie will never be forgotten. 

Quote of the day: Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver. ~ Barbara De Angelis 

Since my parents have moved in with us, I have eaten out much more than I normally do. When it was just Peter and me, perhaps we took out food or ate out once or twice a week. But for the most part I cooked seven days a week. Now going out to eat serves not just a food purpose, but it provides structure, routine, and socialization to our very isolated days. 

Pictured with me is Cheryl. Cheryl has become a part of our weekly routine and in the process we have become friends. This photo was taken the day before my birthday. 

Tomorrow will be my parent's 62nd wedding anniversary. Since it falls on a Sunday, that means we will be seeing Cheryl. As we eat at her restaurant every Sunday. Earlier in the week, I text messaged Cheryl and told her about my parent's anniversary and how Peter and I would like to get flowers and a balloon for the dinner table. 

So I ordered the flower arrangement and balloon this week and used a florist near where Cheryl lives. Cheryl and her son, Corey, picked up the arrangement today and Cheryl will have it on the table for us tomorrow when we arrive. I wanted it to be a surprise for my parents! I should mention that Cheryl volunteered to pick up the flowers, care for them, and bring them to the restaurant. I did not ask her! This speaks to the kind person she is and though I run around town taking my parents to certain restaurants, I do this because of the caliber of people working with us. They have become part of our social network, which to me is crucial in surviving as a caregiver. 

Now you could say..... is that needed or worth it? If it were just my dad, I would say NO. He won't remember the flowers or the meal. But I think my mom still appreciates these niceties and for as long as one of them does, I will do it.