In the sleepy town of Redwater, Alberta – 30 minutes northeast of Edmonton – a litter of golden, jostling, joyful puppies was born on November 3, 2003 to Myvic Nobel Golden Buddy and Myvic My Chuchuk.
One of them was Lady Caitlin Galadriel.
And that would be our Catie.
This is a milestone of jubilant, unbelievable proportions. Back in January of this year, I didn’t think Catie would see another birthday. Truly, I didn’t. I cried a lot back then.
I am choked with gratitude today though, because here we are, almost nine months after a diagnosis of bone cancer and amputation, the three of us – Catie, Riley and me – as we should be. Catie and Riley, right now, smudge their noses with earnest curiosity against the window and watch the street lights timidly flicker and finally hold steady against the evening darkness.
I know they know it’s time for the hares to return. They spotted one just the other night, a mottled brown-and-white creature who brazenly taunted them from the flower bed in the front lawn. Its presence caused quite a brouhaha and I don’t know that I’ll ever get rid of all the barking spittle on the glass.
I just want to say I’m thankful for so many, many things right now.
I’m grateful for the friends I have on this site, even though I haven’t – yet – met any of them face-to-face. The genuine hearts and souls, rich with generosity and empathy, tears and laughter, are woven in and throughout every story of every journey of every Tripawd and their families.
There is simply – and I say this with the utmost sincerity – so much GOOD here.
I’m grateful for each day and each moment.
I’ve learned that from Catie and Riley.
I’m thankful for them.
Happy 7th birthday, dear Catie Caitlin. It’s time to party.
If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. I’ll always be with you.
Winnie the Pooh
