The Next Chapter

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this finds you well. The sky is clearing and the sun is rising as Friday begins. So thankful that today is here. Almost the weekend.

Yesterday during my lunch break I had a visitor. Miss Betty Ann joined me. First thing she did when she came into the house was to walk over to Alvin’s bed and pee on it. Lucky for us, Amanda had warned me that she pees on the dog bed when she comes into a house (she would not remember my house as it has been years since she has been here) so I was prepared and had strategically laid out a large pee pad which was placed perfectly. No problem. Jorge said that she had not pooped yet so she would likely have to poop and before he could say another word she was trotting to the back door and was already taking the position so Jorge quickly grabbed her heading outside. Not before she laid a little nugget on the mat by the back door. No problem, picked up and into the outdoor garbage. They stayed for a few minutes but were on their way out of town so had to leave. Then we were alone. First time in almost two weeks that I have been alone with someone other than my Alvin. Felt strange and good at the same time. No one could ever replace him and I am not even going down that path. I picked her up and held her up to the window to say goodbye before they pulled away. Miss BA even gave me a kiss which my daughter later said “meant that she liked me.” A good start. Back to their arrival, I was just signing off for lunch break and my phone rang it was Guardian (Animal Hospital) – they were calling to let me know that Alvin’s ashes and final items except for the paw print were ready. I said that I wasn’t sure if my daughter could stop by after work or not but we would be there as soon as we could. Lucky for me Amanda said that she would stop by on her way over here to collect Miss Betty Ann. Whew, another arrival. I was so relieved to hear that my beloved Alvin was coming home.

Betty Ann was good. She let me know when she had to go outside to go pee. I had on-line training for a couple of hours in the afternoon and she was perfect. So happy when work was done for the day. I had some time to snuggle with her and she continued to give me kisses. I think she liked it here with me. My daughter arrived about 5:30 with Alvin’s ashes and final items all nicely put together. I was happy to see my daughter who was not able to stay long. I showed her his urn and other things then we gathered up Betty Ann (I sent a blanket as she did not have a jacket with her and she does not have a thick coat) and her food etc and then the house was empty again.

Having the essence of him here with me has given me a bit less anxiety. The urn is beautiful. A stainless steel urn with his name printed on it and the dates of his time on this earth. He follows me around the house. The flowers are starting to fade so I am glad he is back. They were so beautiful and there are some that are still looking good and he is loving that. Alvin always loved sniffing the flowers. I know that dogs do not see colours which is a shame but he knew of their beauty through me and of course he could smell their amazing fragrances.

Time to head downstairs and get some coffee perking. I have lots of things to get done as Monday is back to the office and I have training all day and still have to find a way to get my work done around the training schedule. The following week we will be at the new “office.” Changes.

I hope that you have a great Friday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel).

The Next Chapter

Good Morning. The sky is beginning to lighten outside earlier with each passing morning as we hedge toward spring. A week from this coming Sunday, we turn our clocks ahead by one hour here in Edmonton. SPRING is on its’ way. The first three days of this week I worked from the office so away from home. I am so grateful to be home today and tomorrow to be closer to all the reminders of my beloved Alvin. I had been taking one of his toys in my purse to the office just so that I could have something of his not just a memory with me. At home, I feel more connected to my beloved boy. Oh, how I miss him.

Today at noon, one of my daughter’s friends is going to be dropping off his pup named Betty Ann to stay here until my daughter picks her up after work. She was an old friend of Alvin’s as my kids would look after her quite often while her parents travel from home. It will be different but nice to have her here with just me for a few hours. She will be staying with my daughter and son-in-law and grand pups for about one month. Betty Ann is like extended family to the kids and grand pups.

I woke up with a headache so I am going to cut this short so that I can go and take something and make some coffee.

The house is oh so quiet except for the hum of the furnace fan as it moves the heat throughout the house. There is the odd creak. I am glad to be home.

I hope that you are well. I hope that life is treating you with kindness and respect and you are in turn. Remember to show love.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by family and friends who have shown me so much love and support during this time of loss.

I miss you Alvin, always and forever in my heart.

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel).

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? We are doing well. I/We were so happy to spend some time with our girl. The time we spend together is always great. I am very grateful to have her in our lives. We miss our boy and the pups and cannot wait until Christmas to see them.

Amanda picked up a floral/plant arrangement for me to take with a card and a special Angel pin to our friends Norbert & Irene who recently lost their youngest son. One of the hardest face to face conversations. Broke my heart into a million pieces. I feel so badly for them. To lose a child of any age makes no sense. We always as parents believe that we will go first and when tragedy strikes and changes the “natural order” we are beyond disbelief and heart broken.

We, me and Alvin got to see little Betty Ann who belongs to friends of Amanda & Steven’s. Her parents dropped her off as she will be spending a week or so with the kids while they are away on business. I truly have the best kids, they have the biggest hearts and always have an extra pup or two in the household. I do not know how they do it because I always think I have my hands full with Mr. Alvin, lol. We all had a short visit before Amanda and Betty Ann were on their way to Alberta Beach.

Overnight the temperature dropped into the high double-digits. It was chilly outside when we were out earlier. Last day to the office for this week. I am very grateful that I can spend tomorrow working from home with Alvin by my side.

Last night was a blur with one minute driving with Amanda to cooking supper to eating supper with her, to going to see my friends, to Betty Ann being dropped off to them being gone. It seemed to happen so quickly. Almost makes me wonder, did it really happen? Of course, it did but it was an emotionally charged evening from happiness to sadness.

Well it be time to head downstairs and finish getting ready to leave for work. I am very grateful that I have a ride to and from work with a coworker. She is awesome and we have really got to know each other over the past couple of months. Carpool will do that!

Have an awesome Thursday!

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: Amanda brought the tree lights and the toilet handle, so I have a couple of projects ahead of me. I think I shall wait until Friday after work. Should be fun.