Sammie Cat and I have been making our trips to Mahogany Oaks since the fall of 2013. I began riding home with John in the evenings after work. Mike, John and I would have dinner together. I'd spend the night and then return with John on his way in to work in the morning. This worked particularly well when I was teaching and I could squeeze these visits in between class days.
But then, being the greedy girl that I am...I wanted more time and Sam started coming with me-that's when it became two nights with a full day sandwiched in between.
It isn't a trip to Mahogany Oaks without: drinks at the MOB; a shopping excursion; visiting with Carmen; celebrating anything; overalls for me; days in our pajamas; gourmet meals; solving the problems of the world; reeling about politics past and present; heavy commiseration and support; car conversations; morning coffees with Judge Alex; wondering where Sam is hiding now; photos everywhere; water lillies; and, lots of love, hugs and kisses.
As special as Mahogany Oaks is for us; it is only because John and Mike make it so.
Having them and their love and support in our lives; made the difficulties of being here and the difficulties of having feet in Ferguson, Cadrieu and New Orleans, easier. We are family.
I'm at that juncture of big change again. Although I know I will be back, I don't plan to travel back with Sam. So, this was Sam's last visit with Mike and John. They have loved her as their own, and have agreed to make her their own if something were to hapen to me. I can't be more grateful.
It's difficult not to remember the last juncture like this when Dali, Sam and I returned to the states in the fall of 2012, and you know that with their age it is more than likely a last goodby. It was Dali's last goodby to friends in Cadrieu. This could be Sam's last goodby in New Orleans.
Is there any wonder that most visits to Mahogany Oaks has hearts popping out all over! Can you find them?
All that love has got to go somewhere.
We love you Mike and John!
Comments