Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Tonight's picture was taken in January of 2009. Mattie was home from the hospital and he got a lovely delivery of ice cream and a fairy wand, from the Dairy Godmother in Alexandria, VA. No matter how badly Mattie was feeling, ice cream was always a food of choice. That was something we both had in common. Honestly I do not know how Mattie was even able to smile. Because what he was facing each day would cause most adults to puddle in a corner. As I always say.... Mattie was my greatest teacher in life. 

Quote of the day: All dogs go to heaven because, unlike people, dogs are naturally good and loyal and kind. ~ Melba Moore

This photo was taken in 2020, during the height of COVID-19. Sunny was recovering from his first knee surgery. The poor fellow couldn't walk without assistance, so we pulled out Mattie's big radio flyer wagon and each time we took Sunny out to relieve himself, we put him in the wagon. I am sure this was a funny sight for people to see, but my focus was only on Sunny, his health, and recovery! If this radio flyer wagon could talk! It transported both Mattie and Sunny around our neighborhood in the city. 

After dropping my dad off at the memory care center today, I went to Mattie Miracle's bank to discuss some emails the Foundation received from two potential donors. I was very suspicious about the emails, mainly because both used the same exact messaging. Not only the same exact words, but in the same format. Both people (who I did not know) wanted to make a $2,000 donation to the Foundation. They claimed that they heard about our good work and were going to put me in touch with their financial advisor. Needless to say the banker confirmed for me that the emails were scams, to block communication with them, and she also told me that if they send me a check, there is NO way to verify a check from an outside bank. In addition, she went on to tell me if a check bounces, that I would be the responsible party who would have to pay the bank back. I heard enough to know that if these two individuals send me money, neither check will be cashed. The banker said I did the right thing coming into the bank, as they like seeing these emails for themselves. 

Once I got back in the car, I called my father-in-law. He turned 90 years old today. A real milestone. I sent him this glass collage saying.... celebrating the beauty of you!

I received many surprises in the mail today. The first one was this card from Sunny's pet insurer. On the inside it said... Our entire family of pet parents shares in the sadness of your loss. With heartfelt condolences. Your friends at Nationwide. 

About a month before Sunny started his rapid decline, I completed his application for his dog license in Fairfax County. Which meant that he had to see the vet and get his updated vaccines. It truly would have NEVER dawned on me at that time that Sunny was dying. Now I have the tag, but NO SUNNY!

This evening, I had my therapy appointment. I can't say that I am learning anything new about myself from these weekly meetings, but the notion is to have an outlet for support. No matter what I am facing, I am well grounded in my thoughts, feelings, and values. 

When I got home, two packages awaited me. One was this charming Lego heart kit. I learned that this gift was given to me by my mother in law. It is in memory of Mattie (who loved Legos) and to remind me I am loved. Very touching and very appreciated. 

I was surprised with four pints of ice cream from my friend Christine. To me chocolate and ice cream are my drugs of choice and these goodies can brighten even the darkest of days. 

I met Christine at Mattie's elementary school. Her son, Campbell, and Mattie were in kindergarten together. They formed a tight friendship and through their bond, Christine and I got to know one another. We clicked right away and many of our supporters know Christine, as she was our Walk registration chair at all our LIVE Walks!

I love the details on the container! Look at this top!

How about this one!

I literally tried all four flavors, and loved each one!