They never leave our memories.....

They never leave our memories,

the cats who've shared our lives.

In subtle ways they let us know

their spirit still survives.

Old habits still make us think

we hear a meow at the door.

Or step back when we drop

a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place 

the food dish used to be,

And, sometimes, coming home at night,

we miss them terribly.

And although time may bring new friends

and a new food dish to fill,

That one place in our hearts

belong to them...and always will.

March 15, 2016

Today your Aunt Joni had to say goodbye to her fur baby.....

There was nothing I could say - I'm really bad with words in times of sadness.....

but I cried....

And then I smiled....

because I know Baloo had the best "human" ever.

Baloo

Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal.....

Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal.....

It's a way to live.

- Jackie Windspear -

Halloween 2015

This year little monkey you had absolutely no idea what Halloween was....to be clear Elle, at 56 i still don't have a clear understanding as to to the idea of Halloween.....it's one day of the year where children are allowed to go strangers homes "in the dark" asking for (more like demanding) candy that the other 364 days a year you won't be allowed to eat.....

this year you were the most darling Mini mouse........no one could compare or argue  how cute you looked....but just like for your mommy you were able to ingest not a single item in your "haul"..... when your mommy and Uncle Cole got bigger they were allowed to "trick or treat', they were allowed to lay out and count their candy or put it in piles of different kinds - basically they were allowed to do almost anything besides eat it......for a time, trick or treating was dangerous for children and many children were getting hurt by unthinking/uncaring adults.....but that will always be on the minds of parents forever.....one other discussion is bound to come up every Halloween - costumes.....your mommy and Uncle were very limited as to what I would allow then to wear - no blood, nothing violence depicting or death......that wasn't always popular with them but they knew it was one of those battles they wouldn't win and they needed to understand that if there was something they really wanted they were smart to limit their arguments to those that mattered.

Being such a lover of all things Disney you were absolutely adorable - Miss Minnie Mouse!                

Once in awhile.....

Once in awhile,

right in the middle of an ordinary life,

love gives us a "fairy tale".

Elle, today Papa and I celebrate our 1 year anniversary......

It hasn't been perfect but it's been so very very good......

In sickness and in health - I love you Dale !!!

We've "got this"

Greet the sun.....

Greet the sun.....

Welcome the moon.....

Wish upon a star.

Monkey, 2 months ago our "adventure of a lifetime" was about to begin......

We left Florida to spend 2 months in Chicago getting to know you....

What we didn't know then was how much we would fall in love with you.....

A love that grows each and every day.....

As the time comes to head back to Florida I am trying not to be sad about leaving 

but happy about having the opportunity to have been with you these past two months.....

I promise Monkey, that I will never give up hope that one day we will all live close enough that if Mimi  needs a hug, your arms will only be a short distance away.

October 29 & 30, 2015

- Papa and Mimi's drive to Chicago -

GIVE THANKS

 - GIVE THANKS -

For each new morning

with its light

For rest and shelter

of the night

For health and food

For love and friends

For everything Thy goodness sends

- Ralph Waldo Emerson -

Monkey, today we gather as a family to celebrate your "First Thanksgiving".....

This year we have so much to celebrate and be thankful for....

Today when I woke up I got on my knees and thanked God for more time than I deserve and more love than I ever thought possible.....

We love you, our little Elle Belle Monkey.

Miss Elle our Belle.....

Miss Elle our Belle

These are words that go together well,

our Miss Elle.

Monkey, it's been over a month since I did a blog post.....

not because I didn't want to but because I was using every moment to either

getting ready to see you or to actually seeing you....

Your Papa gave me the best present ever - 2 months in Chicago.....

Actually the Chicago part isn't the best - after all, it is winter and Papa and I live in South Florida.....

The BEST part is you, daddy, and mommy......

I have been given the gift of so many of your "firsts".....

There's a lot to catch you up on but we'll start with yesterday first.....

Right now Chicago is in turmoil after a police officer has been charged 

in the murder of a 17 year old boy.....

A police officer being charged with murder while on duty hasn't 

 happened in Chicago in more than 30 years.....

The City of Chicago prays that justice will be served and if the officer is

found guilty he receives the punishment he deserves.....

Regardless of the outcome of the trial a 17 year old boy has lost his life.....

His mommy and daddy will never be able to see him again, talk to him again, laugh with him again, tell him how much they love him.....

The thought of that is incomprehensible.....

The news is reporting nothing but the protests associated with the release, yesterday, of the 

video from the police dashcam.....

But yesterday there was good in the City of Chicago - There was some VERY GOOD.

On an unusually warm day (for November) Uncle Cole and I got to spend the morning with you.....

We bundled you up and took a walk to the zoo.....

Another one of those "firsts" Miss E.....

November 24, 2015

- Miss Elle our Belle, these are words that go together well, our Miss Elle -

 P.S. Everyone get's a "song" by Mimi - can't wait to sing your mommy's song to you !

A strong friendship.....

A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation,

doesn't always need togetherness,

as long as the relationship lives in the heart,

true friends will never part.

Monkey, as you grow your mommy is going to meet other mommies 

that have monkeys just like you..... 

Many of her hours will be spent with those mommies dreaming the same dreams as they dream.....

Dreaming that their monkeys are happy and healthy.....

Some days there will be tears and drama - little girls are like that......

But most days, without even knowing it, life long friendships will be formed.....

Those friendships are heaven sent.....

Heaven sent me Mayela....

And when by chance - at truly the most "Magical Place on Earth"- you both happen to be there at the same moment - you'll know at that instant that there IS A God !

September 20, 2015