Friday, March 17, 2023

Friday, March 17, 2023

Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2009. This is a special hallway to me that is captured in this photograph. I visit this hallway every time I go to the Georgetown University Hospital. It is the hallway of the Children's Art Gallery. That day, there was a grand opening celebration of the Gallery. We happened to be home that day, but drove to the hospital to participate in the event. Mattie and I both submitted art work, which was on display and as you can see, Mattie had a way of having an entourage! Taking the photo in blue is Kathleen, one of Mattie's HEM/ONC nurses. Next to Kathleen is Anna, Mattie's physical therapist and pushing Mattie in the wheelchair is Meg, a child life intern, who Mattie loved. These are incredible women, who I will never forget. I am sure most patients, families, and healthcare providers traverse this hallway daily. But none of them have these incredible memories of the opening day of the Gallery!

Quote of the day: Imagine if we were all magical leprechauns, and every wish ever made on a four-leaf clover obliged us to help others obtain their wishes. Now imagine if people simply lived like this were true. ~ Richelle E. Goodrich

This morning, after getting my dad off to his memory care center, and my mom situated, I went back at this ethical research training that I am required to do in order to be an official part of the Standards of Care research team. When I tell you this training is painful, I am not kidding. It is particularly challenging because I do not have big chunks of time to work, like I once did! In any case, this photo shows 14 modules that I need to complete within just ONE course. I have four courses altogether in my training folder. I completed one and I am trying to finish course number two. 

After each module, I have to take a quiz. You can only take the quiz ONCE! So you will notice that in my third module's quiz, I received a 75%. That freaked me out, so now I am reading carefully and taking my time at answering each module's questions. I have no idea what happens if I fail a course, and don't plan on finding out either. I am hoping I can get all 14 modules done this weekend, so I can begin the second course on Monday. 

Peter inflated our Easter chickee display today! It means to me that Spring is here!

Within thirty minutes of inflating this structure, our neighbor next door came over to check it out. He is 11 years old and has a special need. We were thrilled that he approved of the display and that it brought him fascination and happiness. 

The winter wreath is down and the spring one is up!

Meanwhile, Peter has taken on another big chore. He finished shingling the shed roof yesterday and today he moved to sanding our deck. The deck is in terrible shape and it truly needs some tender loving care. 

I snapped this photo of my dad today with his St. Patrick's Day pins!

I took my parents out to eat this afternoon and the restaurant had specials for St. Patrick's Day! I ordered Shepherd's Pie. It was delicious, but then again, I am a lamb fan. While dining there, I heard bag pipers. I am on the fence about whether I love that sound or can't stand it. My mom happens to love it and she was going room to room in the restaurant tracking down the guys in kilts! There was a wonderful festive vibe in the restaurant, and all the servers had green clover gear on in honor of the day.