Saturday, January 27, 2024

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Tonight's picture was taken in January of 2009. Mattie was struggling with how to walk again. For a while, his physical therapist, Anna, had Mattie work with a typical front facing walker. That day, she got the idea of trying a reverse walker. Mattie literally took a few steps and Anna threw her arms up in victory. Despite all the best efforts, Mattie was too debilitated and managing pain to ever walk again independently. It was a sad reality that we faced on top of coping with cancer. This frustrated Mattie on every level and contributed greatly to his depression, anxiety, and trauma. 

Quote of the day:  Your place I’ll hold, you will be missed, the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed. And as you journey to your final rest, take with you this … I loved you best. ~ Jim Willis

Last night I posted one of my favorite photos of Sunny on our lawn. It was pretty soon after we moved into the house. Whereas this photo was taken only a few days before Sunny died. In order to get to the lawn, I had to carry his back end, but I knew being outside was where he was happiest. What I learned too is as dog's get older, the fur around their eyes turns white. I do not remember that happening with the dog I had as a child, but naturally that was decades ago. Whenever I look outside now, I always envision my regal boy sitting there on the lawn. He loved is backyard so! Miss him greatly. 

Today was a royal blur. Between caregiving and Foundation work, I had my hands full. But I went out to get the mail, and I received two beautiful cards. Ironically they were from friends in Boston, from when I went to graduate school at Boston College. I met three amazing women while getting my MS in biology, and all three of these women are still a part of my life. Keep in mind I graduated from there is 1994, so it is a testament to our friendship. Their support and sentiments are greatly appreciated. I have also received lovely gifts to Door Dash too, which will greatly help on nights were I just don't have the energy to cook. I have been blessed with an amazing support network of women and all the outreach helps me get through the long days here.