Peaks and Valleys

I know we all have times in our lives that mark everything else that happens to us. You often hear people say before "the Depression", "the Earthquake", "9/11/", "Katrina" this was this way and that was that way. These events have become a demarkation for them - what changed their lives from that point forward and has become their measuring rod.

Saturday June 26th was such a day for me. We were decorating for the party and my Mom and Sister and I were here alone and it was like when we were kids helping Mom get ready for a big family dinner. Only our roles have reversed and my Sister and I are now the hostesses. The party was a huge success, all of my Mom's friends for countless years and our cherished relatives were here. My Uncle came from Atlanta to surprise her, a cousin came from Long Beach to surprise her. A good time was had by all guests and the birthday girl. We reached our highest peak.

Indy had been having breathing problems since Thursday night. We took him to the vet on Friday and they took x-rays and gave him anti-biotics. Saturday he was very confused and we kept him upstairs out of the crowd. My Sister, Brother-in-Law and I took turns sitting with him. The last guests left around 9 or 9:15. I had just stepped into the shower when I heard my Mom call up and say come down when you get out of the shower. I knew. I just got out and went downstairs. He was lying in the kitchen floor, he had followed her into the kitchen like he always does - Grannie's baby, and he collapsed and died. He was my first and only puppy, and I loved him very much. He had been badly abused before Furry Friends found him and he had been adopted out twice before he came to us. We were his last chance before euthanasia. Luckily he got along with Micky and became part of our family. We loved him much, and well for 11 years. We will miss him for many more. He is being cremated and his ashes scattered on Monterey Bay. We reach this lowest valley.