Lisa's thoughts about Love, Life, Lyme, and Liver disease

and.....I will love you forever.  Lassie passed away today from a valiant battle with a soft-tissue cancer in his front leg. As a young girl I was in love with Lassie.  I waited with anticipation for each show.  I wouldn't let anyone change the channel until the end when they whistled the theme song and Lassie   raised her (his) paw. Every few years they would have contests to win a Lassie puppy and I would submit an entry.  Just like the Publisher's Clearing House contest, I never won. In 1994 they made another Lassie movie and during the promotion, they were taking Lassie around the country for a book signing party.  Heather was 12  years old and away at camp, so I grabbed my niece and away we went.  As you waited in line, the trainer gave strict instructions that you couldn't pet Lassie.   Everyone walked by, had their pictures taken, then moved on.  What did I do.  I petted his head and I was quickly reprimande...

So much has changed since this was posted in 2015.  However, the memories and love remain forever in my heart. Thanksgiving 2015.   They say a picture is worth a thousand words - so I will keep this simple.  This year I am thankful for Heather's medical team, Heather's strength and improving health, my parents and Joe for all of their love and support, Lassie, my family, my job, my freedom, wonderful friends, trips to the beach and, that many of my prayers were answered this year.  Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving.  xo, Lisa Please enjoy some pictures over the years - they certainly show how blessed I have been. Pearl and Heather Kevin and Heather My Lassie Dad, Mom, and Jesse Mom and Dad - Celebrating an anniversary Dad's 80th Birthday Party Heather, Dad, and Lisa   Heather and Grandma Butler Cousins Dolan Cousins Trips to NYC An evening out ...

Last month Heather rescued a 4 1/2 month old female hound/lab mix, named Pearl, from a Kill Shelter.  Heather has had her for about a month and she has been such a snuggle love bug companion.  Pearl also fell in love with Kevin too.   What never ceases to amaze me about dogs is their sensitivity and awareness of their owner's emotional and physical health. One of Heather's chronic Lyme conditions is neuropathy in her feet.  It is worse in the colder months.  This stabbing pain occurs most often in the middle of the night.  When I have spent time with Heather, her feet and legs will sometimes twitch while she sleeps as her face grimaces in pain.   Of course, Pearl prefers snuggling in Heather's bed instead of her dog bed.  In the few weeks that Heather has owned Pearl, this sweet puppy can sense when Heather is in pain.  Heather will wake up in pain and find Pearl sound asleep on her feet to keep them warm.  Heather sai...