Friday, February 9, 2024Tonight's picture was taken in February of 2003. At ten months old, Mattie was full of curiosity and desperately wanted to walk. Which was why "tot wheels" was a miracle. Mattie loved moving independently, zooming around our first floor and of course following me where ever I went. What I distinctly remember was that Mattie's hands and fingers were like antennas. Mattie would put his hands up and his fingers would move through the air, as if he was absorbing his surroundings through the passing of air over his hands!
Quote of the day: I believe that dogs are sent to us to open our hearts. ~ Tamar Geller
This is one of my favorite photos! It captured the playful and funny side of Sunny! What a face, if he was human, you would say he was smiling!
Tonight's quote is spot on! Sunny entered our lives in 2016, and he reopened our hearts in a profound way after Mattie died. I know that Sunny got me outside, walking, interacting with the world again, talking to people, and through our bond, I became happier. He brought me joy, love, and was a loyal companion to the end. He is unforgettable.
My mom and I met up with my friend Junko today. Junko came into my life when Mattie started his elementary school in 2007. In fact, the summer of 2007, I enrolled Mattie in a day camp at his new school, in hopes that he would get to know the campus and make some friends before the school year started.
Mattie was very shy and cautious and was not happy to be dropped off in the school's gym, and separate from me. His camp teacher wouldn't let me in the room at drop off time. However, by day 2, I did not follow her request, and instead walked into the gym, holding Mattie's hand. I knew Mattie needed some support connecting with a friend. That was when I spotted Junko's son, Kazu. I literally walked over to Kazu and asked him if he knew anyone in the gym. He said no! I told him that Mattie did not know anyone either, so perhaps they could be friends and stick together. Both boys seemed to like that idea! Needless to say, once Mattie befriended Kazu, he had a much better time in camp. Naturally through the boys, I met Junko.
Mattie's elementary school had weekly chapel services for the children and parents were invited. Every Tuesday, I attended chapel and guess who my seat mate was in chapel? That is right, Junko. Through our Tuesday gatherings we got to know and appreciate one another. Of course when Mattie was diagnosed with cancer, I did not lose my chapel mate. Instead, Junko came often to the hospital. She introduced me to lobster rolls, other treats, and even provided me with neck and back massages in the parent's lounge of pediatric units. All of Mattie's nurses knew Junko and when they saw Junko coming, they would basically tell me that they were happy Junko was there because they knew she took good care of ME.
We had a special lunch with Junko. The thing is we have already been through a nightmare together, Mattie's diagnosis and death, so connecting, sharing thoughts and feelings come very easily for us. I would have to say that Mattie provided many gifts in my life, and Junko is one of them. Junko showered me with lots of gifts and cards today. These are just a few of them and as Valentine's Day is approaching, I am deeply honored and touched that friends are here to remind me that I matter. That I am loved, and that I am special to them.
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