FBLA

Future Business Leaders of America...what, you ask? Marisa sent me a text this morning from school. Her computer teacher told her she is recommending her for Advanced Web Design class and encourages her to join the FBLA club!

This warms my heart because:
1) I was in FBLA (thank you very much!)
2) Marisa's self-esteem went up several notches (thank you, Ms. Campbell!)
3) She has been interested in web design for some time now (grateful for the recognition!)
4) Marisa has found another niche besides sports (academically speaking!)

Great job, Marisa! First club meeting is tomorrow...

Puppy Love

To get the pooch monsters to be still for a picture, Marisa flaunted a much coveted Pringles chip. It worked!

Lucy, our older pup, was very grateful and gave Sissy lots of kisses!

KC's so sweet! She will stick by Sissy's side all day long.

Pet Therapy

One of the wonderful integrated therapies we provide in hospice care is pet therapy. I've been very fortunate enough to facilitate sessions for several patients. It is so rewarding for all parties. The other day, my friend Sherri posted this video of Baxter, a service dog. Danny and Marisa were at the table when I was watching the video. I was so excited to share with them what I do, what facilitating a session means. We were all in tears, but not with complete sadness. They were tears of compassion.

Next week I have two sessions: one to help a patient with a relocation from her assisted living apartment to a skilled nursing home; and, one for a patient that is bedbound and wants to 'snuggle' with a dog but is high risk for skin tears. The other time I facilitated a session was with an Alzheimer's pt to help bridge communication as she had lost the ability to complete thoughts. As she stroked the dog's back, she was able to complete 5-6 word phrases and talk with her daughter. It was beautiful. This is such a wonderful part of my job! When I get home, I hug my doggies and realize they are a part of our family! Hope you enjoy the video.

"That's So Garza"

The Spyder needs new breaks.
That costs money.
Why pay money to get the breaks replaced when Danny can do it himself?
After all, he IS a Garza!

He went to the auto parts store after work.
We ate dinner, then he retreated to the garage to replace the breaks.

Oops! There's a problem!
The auto parts store gave him the wrong size pads.
Don't you just hate it when that happens?

So off to the auto parts store he goes to get the right size pads.
Oh, and the 'right' size pads costs more money.
But, Danny is determined to do this himself....'that's so Garza'!
Now, don't get me wrong...that's a good thing!

Cherries

(Wordless Wednesday)