…and I feel badly that I’ve not taken this time for myself. I suppose I’ve been trying my best to just keep on keeping on, as if life in general, is just LIFE IN GENERAL, and it is. Since I’ve last typed Gerry has gone through FIVE of the six recommended chemotherapy visits. I’m blessed that he has not had any negative reactions to the treatments, and I am thankful for the staff at the hospital for always telling me Gerry is too cute to come home, and that they want him to stay longer. The food bowls in the background are filled with white chicken breast and white rice for at least two days after chemo. Anything to keep his belly settled, and give me a sense of mothering him with homemade goodness.
This Thanksgiving my family traveled to me, to make it easier, and I’m so glad that they did. It lifted all of us up, I believe. That weekend, Mom and I went to a fabric store and I bought some material pieces to make Gerry look stylish throughout the season. His necklace is a healing stone brought to him from my grown neighbor-child, who has known him since he came to me. I ordered, and figured out how to put on a Ruff Wear harness for him, so that I could take him to my parent’s house, in which my bedroom is in a finished basement (with at least 10 crazy steep stairs that I fell down and sprained my ankle badly on when I was 16). He was a trooper the entire time, and I was able to lift/support him on the walk down. Success!
I have a wonderful friend across the ocean in Germany who is saying prayers daily for Gerry, and I firmly believe these things matter. She is teaching me to accept life, and be more aware of my daily happiness (whether she realizes it or not). The greatest gift I ever gave myself was Gerry, and having him with me at Christmas was the greatest gift i could have received.
What a wonderful update. So glad that Gerry, and you, are doing so well!
Thank you so much. His chest x-ray (taken before session 4), came back ALL clear and so we’re hopping on in a healthy way! Watching him frisk and run in the snow a few weeks ago, like the world was BRAND new once again, was one of my biggest joys and brought a REAL smile to my face.
Yes, thanks for the update….what a great picture! Sounds like things are good, and you’re right – having our best friend with us at Christmas is priceless
Paula and Nitro
XOXO to you and Nitro!
Gerry celebrated Christmas in RI sharing his “big bone” with Ralph, and a playful moment of chase. He looks wonderful, and it was a joy to see him dashing down the hallway to follow his Mom!! I know everyday with him is a Blessing for you. You are a Wonderful Mom!! Love you both. XOXO
Grandma’s house has carpeting almost EVERYWHERE and so it was easy to run after Ralph! He’s so healthy and happy, because his mom was raised in a home in which the canines were her siblings, not just companions! “Are you spoiling my dog?'” has become a lifestyle, not just a habit. Gerry loves going to his second home in Rhode Island where he gets all new and familiar smells, including saltwater. We all needed a get away from NY!