Tuesday, October 24, 2023 -- Mattie died 734 weeks ago today.
Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2003. As Halloween is fast approaching, I like to reflect upon each of the Halloweens we had with Mattie. Last night, I posted a photo of Mattie with a pumpkin in 2002, his first Halloween. By 2003, Mattie was a year and half old, and was full of personality. One of his favorite stores to shop at was Target. In fact, other than that, Mattie really did not like going to shop. But I remember Mattie riding around in the shopping cart and together we picked out this cute pumpkin sweat suit. Back then I thought we were going to have a lifetime together and frankly though it maybe 14 years later, I still am not a fan of seeing kids running around, dressing up, and coming to the door for candy. This just reminds me of what is forever gone in our lives.
Quote of the day: Grief is a curious thing, when it happens unexpectedly. It is a band-aid being ripped away, taking the top layer off a family. And the underbelly of a household is never pretty, ours no exception. ~ Jodi Picoult
This morning I got my parents in the car and we all headed to the hospital. My mom had her six month appointment with her pulmonologist. My mom has several lung issues and thankfully is under the care of a great doctor. As cold weather approaches, I need to have strategies to support her, as last winter, she was on antibiotics for 30 days. Since my mom has moved in with me, she has gained 15 pounds, her blood pressure has stabilized, and she isn't living with chronic neck pain. So she has made great progress. Though she laments about missing California, life for her there was not sustainable.
After her appointment and bathroom stops, we got back into the car and I took my parents out for frozen yogurt. Outings to eat are important for them, as it gets them walking, talking, socializing, and interacting with the world around them. It is something they both enjoy.
When I got home and got my dad settled, I addressed one chore after the other. But I decided to do some yard work, since it was in the upper 60s today, and then took Sunny for a walk. This outdoor time is therapeutic.
Meanwhile, the Foundation's October newsletter went out yesterday to supporters, with a remind about our Fall item drive. All these wonderful items were delivered today! I am so grateful Mattie Miracle has such loyal and steadfast supporters. To me this is a gift.
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