The Halloween candy is far from finished but now we’re racing towards the holidays. My October 31st was a whirlwind of activity with grandbabykin school parties and trick or treating. Why do I subject myself to all this…for the second time around? Simply because they are only little once and I want to soak up all I can before I’m too old to be able to run this pace this anymore.
And, this year was a special year. Twix was finally old enough to be Snow White. That, in and of itself, doesn’t sound especially significant until you know the back story…….
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (circa 1989), there lived a four-year-old Snow White with her white, woodland bunny. These were costumes I made for my wee ones for Halloween fun. Little did I know at the time, Snow White would stand the test of time in more ways than one.
When 1991 rolled around, another four-year-old Snow White made her debut with sister princess, Rapunzel (another homemade costume). This one was expected. After all, it took me quite a while to make the Snow White costume, and I was determined to get more than one wearing out of it. I think they both wore it for a couple of Halloweens.
Fast forward to 2013. Five-year-old Peanut donned her Mama and godmother’s costume for another generation of Disney princess trick or treating. Why did I keep this costume in storage so many years? I suppose I simply couldn’t part with the memories.
And this year, at four years old, Twix followed in this tradition. And, a whole new set of memories have been made.
And, yes, the costume will go back into storage now. The Golfer has instructed me to keep it in case she should have a future princess to carry on the tradition.
Even though I missed Thankful Thursday at Brian’s Home, I’m thankful for the opportunities to make memories through photography for my family. I hope after I’m long gone, they will also stand the test of time.
I just discovered Cabo….that dog living in my house….has had face time here and, in my not-so-humble opinion, I deserve the same.
If you didn’t already know, I’m Bridget and have been here with the person we’ll call Mom most of my 12 years. Technically, I’m The Golfer’s cat, but I wasn’t too crazy about Florida when she moved my sister, Midget, and me there in 2007. We came back to middle Missouri in 2013 and I decided I’m never riding in a car that long again.
The dog….did I mention the dog? All was well until IT showed up in 2017. I’m a rather finicky, old lady now and don’t appreciate being rudely nosed or chased. I much prefer sun puddles in areas where IT can’t find me.
I was born in 2006 sometime around March 17th; one of five abandoned kittens. The kind people who took us in called us the Irish Kittens. One more was added, although she was not a direct relation. Mom’s two daughters adopted me, two of my sisters and the stray. Here is a shot of all of us together in our bed…Moi (Bridget), Colleen (aka Midget), Darby and Ripley. Sadly, Midget and Ripley have already traveled over The Bridge.
So, I’m here in the house by myself now with the dog. Fun times. Um, NOT.
So, I’ll be demanding equal time whenever I discover the dog has been here. I simply cannot have IT upstaging me.
As some of you know, we’ve been battling cancer in our house. Entrepreneur was diagnosed with renal cell cancer (kidney cancer) in November 2014. Surgery removed the diseased kidney and scans of his lungs and thyroid were inconclusive for any metastasized cell growth. However….they were not scanning his brain. In February of 2016, a mass was discovered on the right side of his brain, which required surgery. After surgery and radiation, he developed Bell’s Palsy which rendered the right side of his face partially paralyzed. It took almost nine months for that to pass, although he still has some minor issues with his right eye. Daily oral chemotherapy was prescribed to try and get out ahead of any cancer that might be waiting to show its ugly head.
At this time, there is no cure for renal cell cancer. Average lifespan after renal cell diagnosis is 5 years. The oncologist said the best we can do is try and stave off its growth for as long as possible. But chemo began to ravage his systems and he lost about 25 pounds along with having to deal with the other nasty chemo-induced side effects. We literally have friends and family from across the globe lifting us up in prayer.
Fast forward to Wednesday, October 3rd. Entrepreneur’s new oncologist is of the opinion that, because no new renal cell cancer growth has shown up for the past year and a half, he will give him a drug holiday! His words were, “right now, it’s not the cancer that’s killing you, it’s the chemo.” I concur. It’s been heartbreaking to watch my husband of 38 years wasting away; his strength and resolve getting weaker and weaker by the day because of the chemo pills.
It’s a mixed bag of blessings. Was the chemo keeping the cancer at bay, which is why nothing shows on the scans? Or, like the doctor said, there isn’t anything in your body for the chemo to fight, so why are we continuing to destroy you? He will continue to be scanned every three months and, when it returns, we’ll discuss options again.
But for now, we’re thankful and grateful for God’s tender mercy that will allow him to enjoy our upcoming family vacation, the holidays, and hopefully reach far into 2019. We’re thankful and grateful for every word of prayer offered on our behalf. We’re thankful and grateful to be surrounded by love and support. It has truly made a difference in our lives.
He’s gained back five pounds this week. 🙂
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~ Melody Beattie
I came across a post for 12 New and Improved Amazing Facts over at 15andmeowing, and thought Cabo might like to share a bit more about himself.
1. What is your favorite day of the week?Any day I can hang out with my people is a good day, but especially the ones that are cooler so Mom and I can walk around the neighborhood. I’m thankful it’s not 90 degrees in the shade anymore.
2. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? Well, I seem to have a lot of supervision in that area. I’ve not tasted frog legs yet. Mom seems to always rescue them out of my mouth. It’s not strange, but I’m thankful for the pork chew stick I get every night at 8pm.
3. What small business would you like to start?Mom is encouraging me to behave better so I can become a therapy dog that visits hospitals and nursing homes when I get older. I think I have a long way to go, but I’m trying. I think others will be thankful for a fur baby visit to make them smile.
4. What is the best food on a hot summer day? Watermelon all the way! I’m always thankful when a piece of watermelon finds its way to the floor!
5. When have you had a small decision bring big consequences?Well…there was a time when one of the litter mates left some sidewalk chalk just laying around on the patio. And, when I made the decision to take it, all of a sudden everyone wanted to play tag. So, of course, I ran around the yard for.ev.er which was also not the best decision I’ve ever made. Unfortunately, there were some big consequences which we’re not going to mention. Let’s just say I’m learning how to “leave it.” Mom is thankful when I mind my manners.
6. What vegetable do you like?Oh wow…..can I add fruit to the list too? Carrots, bell peppers, peas and green beans are yummy. I also like peaches, pears and apples (my fave). Pretty much anything except my dog food. Mom has tried about 10 different brands, but none of them thrill me after the first week or so. So, I’m thankful I get these yummy treats every now and then.
7. Where are you most likely to be at 8:00 on a Saturday night? Most likely, I’m in the process of bringing toys to Mom so we can play. She’s very picky about which toy she wants to play with. Sometimes I have to bring all of them and put them in her lap. I know she’s thankful when I want to hang out with her.
8. What slang word or phrase do you like to use?Mom is sort of a strict grammar nazi queen, so I try and use proper vocabulary…especially when I’m whining about something I want.
9. Did you ever want to change your name?Nawwwww, I like my name. It’s short and sweet and I can understand it when I’m waaaayyyyy in the back of the yard….although sometimes I act like I don’t hear it at all. So, sometimes I’m thankful for floppy ears so I have an excuse for not coming when called.
10. What food do you crave?I luuuuuvvvvvv beef jerky. And popcorn! I’m very good at catching both of them when my people toss a piece in the air. Thankful. Thankful! Thankful!!
11. If your life had a sound track what song would you pick for it?The puppy/doggy version of Happy by Pharrell summarizes it perfectly.
12. If you could have lunch with anyone living who would it be?Well, since I’m not very old, I haven’t met too many people. And Mom thinks I’m too young to date…although I have a couple girlfriends who live next door. I think Milo would be a fun lunch partner. He lives with LA Paylor over at Not Afraid of Color. Or….Shasta who lives with Carol over at Wanderings of an Elusive Mind.
Hope you all enjoyed learning a little more about me. Mom linked me up with Thankful Thursday over at Brian’s Place. I’m very thankful for the cooler weather…although not too cool since my coat has not grown out from my paw spa day last month. I’m thankful Dad is feeling better (Mom says a post about that is coming next week.) I’m also thankful for the litter mates that come every once in a while to play. Mom calls them grandbabykins.
I have to admit, in the spring of 2017 when Entrepreneur mentioned he thought we should get another dog, I was less than thrilled. It had only been since September of 2015 when our golden retriever fur baby unexpectedly passed away. The pain still stabbed at my heart and the thought of dealing with puppyhood, Entrepreneur’s cancer, spring semester of teaching and a four-year-old grand girl all day was almost more than I could comprehend.
But, a year and a half later, I’ve definitely been launched into a new orbit again. Yes, that first year was all kinds of challenging and he’s still very much a work in progress, but I’m completely smitten. As a doodle, it’s almost impossible for me to keep up with the grooming. As a puppy, it’s almost equally impossible to keep up with his energy level. But we’re attached to each other in a way non-dog-lovers simply can’t understand.
Meet the newest member of our family clan. He’s a 9-week old border collie that has a home on Entrepreneur’s parents’ cattle farm. He’s yet to be named, but leading the list is: Scout, Laddie and Duke.
Just going to leave this cuteness here for you all this morning. Blog hopping today with Comedy Plus for Awwww Monday.
