Milestones...13 years

Yesterday was my cousin and her husband's 13th wedding anniversary. She was the first of the cousins to get married and the wedding was a blast. Unfortunately, the next day (actually only hours later), my grandfather passed away from pancreatic cancer. It was definitely a roller coaster weekend all those years ago. Jill and Larry are still married and doing well. I miss my Grandpa's quiet nature and advice.

I'm nursing a sore knee after my 9 mile run on Saturday. My foot is fine but my knee, not so much. I ran for 30 minutes today and I barely got through it. Going to try to roll it out tonight and ice it throughout the day. Not happy at all.

Finally got to see my new dentist and he's awesome! He was recommended to me by Adele and it turns out they used to be neighbors. He actually did the cleaning, never had the dentist do the cleaning and I'm thinking he does that for new patients. I have a "shadowy" spot on one of my teeth, so I have to go back for filing #3. Grrrr....

A dog, a memory and a birthday

So I found out on Tuesday that Lupe's hearing loss is permanent and most likely a result of her age and not the recent ear infection...which has cleared up. It was really hard to get the confirmation. I remember when I found out about her eyes completely losing it and the vets telling me not to be too concerned because dogs use their hearing more than their sight. Okay, so now what? Its going to be a period of adjusting to using hand signals and trying to remember I can't call her name anymore to get her attention. There will probably be no more head cocks like she used to do when she would hear her name or a funny noise. But she is still my Lupe and I love her to pieces.

Yesterday was the 16th anniversary of my Nana's passing. Its a little bittersweet this year now that we have just lost Poppi. I can only hope that they are together again and catching up on the years that they have been apart. I think of how much has changed in 16 years and I'm saddened by all that she has missed...weddings, grandkids, great grandkids, graduations, World Series victories by the Red Sox. Nana was a HUGE Sox fan!

Today is my cousin Michael's 15th birthday...I can't believe that little newborn I held in my arms 15 years ago is now a wonderful, caring and sweet teenager. He's such a great person. I remember my uncle telling me that I was going to be his godmother and being so shocked and touched that they would want me. Just 1 more year until he can drive...yikes!!!

Preparation for a solemn day

Tomorrow is my Mom's yahrzeit. For those who don't know what that is, it is the anniversary of someone's death. Jewish tradition follows the Hebrew calendar dates, so although she died on Februrary 3rd this year that corresponding Hebrew date is January 31st. (Every wonder why Jewish holidays fall on different dates each year? This is why...) Of course the significance of February 3rd is much stronger for me and my family, but so is the actual yahrzeit date.

Although tomorrow is the date of the yahrzeit, you begin observing at sundown the night before the actual day (another one of our little quirks I guess).

To mark it this year, I am leaving work early to go home and light a candle for her. Well, plug in the little yarzheit light I have...burning a candle for 24 hours isn't the safest thing to do. I'll read a couple of psalms in honor of her as well. Tonight I will go to temple and recite the Mourners' Kaddish. I called my Dad to remind him that he should go to temple, especially since they will read her name outloud to the congregation there. My brother is in Ethiopia right now but I'll send him an email to remind him as well.

Tomorrow will be a quiet day and I will surround myself with caring friends and my wonderful little Lupe. I really want Lupe around as she brings me so much happiness and my Mom absolutely adored her. I've noticed that I've started to call her by the nicknames my Mom did. Its a silly connection, but still a meaningful one.

Happy Friday all and enjoy your weekend!!!