Tonight's picture was taken on Halloween of 2008. Next to Mattie was Brandon. Mattie and Brandon were diagnosed around the same time, with different forms of cancer. Despite the 10-12 year difference, these two were great buddies. Mattie and Brandon trick or treated at the hospital together, did crafts and games, and hung out that day. The hospital did a wonderful job, as we literally went to different administrative floors in the hospital and collected candy from door to door.
This special connection between Mattie and Brandon was truly special to witness. Even when Brandon went into remission and was off treatment, he made the trip to the hospital on a regular basis to visit Mattie. Keep in mind that Brandon lived over an hour away from the hospital. On the day that Mattie died, Brandon also came and sat in Mattie's room with us for hours. He took part in the impromptu celebration of life event around Mattie's bedside, and to me was a devoted friend.
Quote of the day: When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
My morning started at 5:15am. I assure you this is NOT my hour. It was very dark at that hour and when my feet hit the floor, I literally said to myself..... this is going to be a long day, can I actually do this? I am not sure I waited for an answer, as I know that if I don't pull it together my house wouldn't function.
Honestly my mornings are nutty. At 5:30am, I headed downstairs to feed Indie (the cat), then I gave Sunny his medications and let him outside. I have learned with Sunny that eating breakfast is now more like a lunch time activity. So I don't push food on him, unless he seems to want it. Once the animals were taken care of, I head back upstairs to shower and dress. Then back downstairs I went to make breakfast for everyone, then to clean out the cat litter box, vacuum around it and the first floor, and finally clean down the kitchen counters and the bathroom on the first floor (since my dad uses it daily). From there, I headed back upstairs. I woke my dad up, made my parent's bed, got my dad showered and dressed, and finally downstairs for breakfast.
While trying to eat breakfast, the electrician showed up to do an annual check of our generator. I was jumping up and down through breakfast, which also included cutting power to the house. Once things were more stable, I got my dad in the car and dropped him off at his memory care center. Once home, my mom and I took Sunny for a short walk. Are you getting the picture? Truly by 11am, I have had a FULL day, and yet my days don't end until 10pm!
I left my mom at Starbuck's and decided to go to the station around noon. I had no idea if there would be a line or how long it would take. When I got there, there was only one other car in front of me. I literally waited only 45 minutes and got the service completed. While waiting for my car, I was able to sit outside. YES even a gas station bench is a welcomed break and change for me. It was a beautiful weather day and I absorbed the sights of greenery, blue skies, and changing leaves. For me, I celebrate the small victories each day.
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