State Fair, Part Deux

Dear Ravi,

Happy early Monday morning! I am not certain why I am up at 4:30 am, but here I am. Daddy and I went to the State Fair again, yesterday. Why did two complete introverts return to the Great Minnesota Get Together? Easy, draft horse barrel racing. Yes, it is actually a thing. Since I have been in college, I have been in love with draft horses. My roommate, Etta, had a lovely draft horse named Joe. She, her sister Celia, and I could ride him 3 at a time, bareback. This was fine until Joe would decide to swipe us off in the lilac bush or come cantering around the side of the barn with 3 riders clinging desperately to his back like little monkeys. Good times. Since I was a kid, I have been fascinated with barrel racing. When I found out that the fair had both events folded into one, we had to go. Basically, barrel racing is very fast race where quarter horses race around a loop of 3 barrels without touching them or kicking them over. Draft horses are used to move carts or other heavy equipment on farms. So, what you have is large, slower moving horses trying to move fast. The results are hilarious. A world record barrel horse can clear a course in less than 14 seconds. A draft horse can take well over a minute to do the same. There were riders from ages 17 to 74. They all did really well. Only one horse had a DQ because she failed to make the turn. Apparently, barrels are scary and not to be trusted. The entire venue was full of equestrians and equestrian fans and it was a blast. If there is barrel racing in heaven Mommy advises you to run, not walk, to the nearest angelic barn and check it out.

Of course, there are lots of other things to do at the fair. People watching is always fun. There is live music. I am not a huge fan of fair food, but a lot of people like it. There are tons of art work, textiles, baking, and just about anything else you can imagine. We spent several hours just wandering. Introverts have their limits, so eventually we made our way home. We walked a mile or so to our parking placer and drove back to Ashland Avenue in complete silence. We were done. I fed the animals and for a long time we just sat on the couch and did not say anything. The fair was wonderful, but it may take us a few days to recover.

Two sad things happened last week. The music and entertainment industry lost both Dolly Parton and Tim Curry. I fell in love with Dolly in the early 1980’s when her song 9 to 5 was on the radio every morning before I went to school. I have always admired her for her generous spirit, her true nature and her beautiful singing voice. Did you know that at Dollywood there are safe sensory places for autistics to go if they get overwhelmed? Dolly wanted everyone at her park to feel loved and included. And, don’t even get me going about her Imagination Library! She is responsible to getting millions of books into the hands of young readers. Truly, she was a gem. Last week we also lost Tim Curry from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and countless other movies and productions. Millions of us came of age watching midnight viewings of Rocky Horror. Tim Curry took the idea of normal sex and sexuality and turned it on its head. Daddy says that when he was a projectionist in college, the first year Johns Hopkins showed Rocky Horror few people came. A year later it was so popular that students tore the doors off the theater hall to get in and America never looked back. If you see Dolly or Tim in heaven, please give them a high five or a hug because they are sorely missed down here!

So, my friend, it is now 5 am and I am wondering what to do next. Jack Jack’s allergies are still driving him nuts, so I just gave him a bath. He is wondering what just happened to him and is racing about the house, shaking, rolling, spreading water everywhere. The two female dogs have wisely gone back to bed. The kitty is napping on the back of my chair. Catherine is running on her wheel. All is well, but I am missing you. I hope that there are state fairs in heaven and Dolly and Tim are singing there. I hope that you are flying free. Love you forever, Mom.

Hi Ravi!

Good afternoon! Daddy and I were out walking Gloria when we saw you flitting from tree to tree in your perky red cardinal form. You seemed to be enjoying the cooler weather. Today, Daddy and I are in recovery mode. Last night we went to the State Fair for the first time in over 2 decades. I think the last time we attended Daddy had you in a backpack and I had your sibling in a front carrier. You thought that the goats were funny. After you were able to walk, we never went back. Huge crowds of people overwhelmed you, and I was terrified of losing you. I did take Mercury to the fair when she was 5. I put them in the jogger and pushed them around the grounds. We rode the sky needle and checked out the baby animals. After an hour, they were done. Going to the fair without kids was a new experience. We rather liked it. I was not worried about anyone overheating, melting down, getting lost, throwing up, etc. We parked about as mile away and walked in. We viewed the arts and crafts and textiles building. We roamed the 4H building and looked at the kid’s crafts. Daddy found his favorite strawberries and cream and devoured them. We split a coke. We sat on a bench and watched the crowds go by, leaning up against each other. As it got later, we wended our way to the grandstand.

Weird Al was the featured performer last night. I have loved him since the 1980s when he was on Dr. Demento. If we do not own all of his albums, I am shocked. Daddy and I have wanted to see him live for decades and last night we got our wish. Al sang, danced, played the accordion and parodied other artists for well over 2 hours. The man was literally nonstop! At 10 pm he wrapped up his performance with some incredible encores and then the fireworks started. I don’t think I have been to a fireworks show since 1998. Daddy and I spent the entire evening smiling and laughing. I don’t think we have done that in years either. I guess it just goes to show you that we all have the capacity for deep grief and for deep joy. I never stop missing you, but last night showed us that it is okay to feel happiness. You were never a homebody, and you would not expect us to wither up at home either. The world is made to be explored!

After the fireworks we drifted off the grounds with thousands of other fairgoers and walked back to the car, gabbing about what a great concert it had been. This morning, we slept late. Daddy and I are introverts. Being around throngs of people takes all of our energy. Today is just a quiet day to look for you flying about while we walk the dogs. Today is a day for laundry and cleaning. Today is a time to be quiet.

Tomorrow, I have a Sunday School meeting before church and then Daddy and I are heading back to the fair with Laurie. There is an exhibition of draft horses doing barrel racing. That sounds so incredibly goofy that we just have to see it. I also want to go to the barns and see all the 4H kids showing their animals. I am not really interested in fair food as everything seems to center around dairy, but I am very curious how many fair foods can be served deep fried and on a stick. One of our friends highly recommends the key lime pie on a stick. In a world that feels like it is crashing into madness, there is something deeply human and affirming about just being at the fair. We were not ready to do it last year, but this year I count it as a blessing.

Keep flying high my son. I see you in the cardinals and the monarch butterflies. I miss you but I delight that you were part of our lives for 22 years. Love you to the moon and back. Mom.

Spiderman Attacks

Ravi!

Downtown Minneapolis yesterday was a scene! Jake Lang, a neo nazi and January 6 insurrectionist tried to start a riot at the courthouse. Spiderman jumped into the fray and punched him in the face! Lang, being a coward with a megaphone leaped back into his truck, shadowed by 6 or 8 or his henchmen. They pulled off the sidewalk and went screaming outside of town. The Bloomington police picked them up somewhere between the Mall of America and Ikea and arrested them all and threw them in jail. They are still there. Sadly, Spiderman got arrested, too. This is very unfair. It takes a real superhero to punch a neo nazi in the nose. Minneapolis and St. Paul want to see him freed immediately. After all, he stopped a riot from happening. Not feeling too warm and cozy about the Minneapolis Cops either. They sprayed mace into the crowd and did not do anything to stop Lang and company. What a waste of time and breath. Anyway, the pictures and video of the riot that did not happen were hilarious. We could have done without the mace.

Today was a great day for orange kitty therapy. Daddy and I went over to Dan and Robin’s house to feed their cats. Both cats were thrilled to receive food, treats, and lots of love. Unlike out pal Nikki, they do not get over stimulated and bit or scratch. They just purr loudly and beg for tummy rubs. It was a great way to spend an hour. Following that we stopped by Dunkin Donuts for treats and then went home to love on our own pets. Having demolished an apple fritter, my favorite, and a medium iced coffee, I was bouncing off the walls with energy. I took Raya for a one mile walk and let her sniff to her hearts delight and then walked Jack Jack and Gloria. They were deliriously happy to chase bunnies. No turkeys were seen on either walk but great sniffies were had. Daddy and I then attacked the house and laundry. Litter boxes are clean, dog fur is swept, things definitely smell better. This will last for approximately 6 hours, then we are back to status quo.

Anyway, Ravi, use all the powers for good that you can to pray for your Uncle Rob and Aunt Cindy and get Spiderman out of jail! Love you to the moon and back. Mom.

Ravi Dive Bombed Me!

Dear Ravi,

Truly you were feeling your oats today! I had not seen you in several days. A friend asked me if cardinals migrate, but I said that I don’t think all of them, as I have seen them hanging around in the winter. Anyway, this morning started off quietly enough. I took Jack Jack and Gloria on a 5 mile walk along the river with a friend. We walked to Dave’s bench and then took a little trail that carried us along a creek. It is so dry here there was scarcely any water to be seen or hears. On my return home Raya seemed to have a serious case of FOMO. She wanted to go for a walk with Daddy and me. Daddy suggested that I slip out the back door and he would take her out the front. We are working on getting her more used to going places with Dad. So, I walked around the house and was waiting on the top steps for them to emerge. Suddenly, a male juvenile cardinal flew out of the tree next to our bedroom and was aimed straight at my knees! At the last possible moment, he shot upwards into my face, so we were seeing eye to eye. Clearly, this cardinal was living his best life. After giving me the hairy eyeball he swooped into the neighbors’ tree. As he bopped off, I could swear I heard him laughing. I firmly believe that it was you, just popping in the say hello, checking out your home, and jubilantly flying off again. It was so good to see you. You often come to me in my dreams, but I have had fewer face to face encounters. Hello!

As you know, we were in Indiana 2 weeks ago helping your Aunt Cindy as Rob was once again in the hospital. Shortly after we left, he was transferred to an acute care rehabilitation facility. He stayed there for 2 weeks, Cindy was trained in his cares, and he came home. Sadly, he lasted at home less than 15 hours. He became spastic and non-responsive and Cindy once again called 911. He spent much of the day in the ER. CT scans showed a brain bleed and numerous lesions on his brain, including one on the parietal lobe. After a long day he was transferred into the ICU. Today he is much more alert and cheerful and should be moved into the regular neurology ward. He is adamantly in favor of doing whole brain radiation, though it may only garner him a month or more left to live. Being your uncle Rob, he is still fighting, still looking forward. I ask you to join in Cindy’s prayer that Rob can remain being Rob, with little pain, until he feels that it is time to leave. Please hold him, Cindy, and your cousins Aaron and Robbie in your prayers. We are leaving town soon to help them, returning at the very end of August. Chris, our amazing pet and house sitter will be holding the helm here. No need to dive bomb him, he is a lovely person and speaks fluent Australian Shepherd.

Thank you so much for surprising me today. I was a wee bit startled, but more delighted than everything else. I will continue to look for you. Jen says that there is a Democrat running for office in her town and that his name is Ravi! She voted for him. Truly you are famous. I keep receiving refusals from agents, but one was actually really nice. She said that your story was compelling and it did not quite fit her needs, but that there are tons of other agents who might like it and to keep trying. Ravi, I will keep trying.

The dogs are at my feet, Daddy is making dinner, and all is peaceful. The only thing missing is your and Mercury. I miss and love you both. Mom.

Cardinals sing for me

Dear Ravi,

Yesterday was a lovely yet bittersweet day at church. There was beautiful music and a light breeze wafting through the open windows. There were only women serving at the altar. The organ swelled and billowed amazing music. In the midst of this beauty, I realized once again that I can no longer sing. I have not sung since you left us. I have not played the piano since you slipped away. My musical muse is gone. I am grateful that my writing muse has stayed the course, but I can no longer sing or practice piano. Both have been a huge part of my life since I was a little kid. Suddenly I am thinking of the song The Day the Music Died. Ravi, my musical muse died with you. When I am joined with you again, I will sing. Until then, I listen to and enjoy the choir and the organ. Daddy still plays the piano occasionally, and I enjoy listening to him. I am afraid if I touch the keyboard I will crack into one thousand little pieces.

After church I slipped down to see you. The chapel was cool and inviting. I spent a long time with my hand on your niche, talking to you and praying for you. My love, I miss you.

The highlight of the weekend was a visit from Karen, Hannah’s mom. We spent a wonderful day together. She gifted the dogs with toys and us with a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle that she said reminded her of you. The puzzle is a clothes line full of goofy socks, surrounded by birds and flowers. We are absolutely charmed. Daddy and I got it out last night and got most of the edge pieces sorted out. We figure it will take about a week to finish, and it is time very well spent as it reminds us of you. The major battle is keeping Nikki off the table and not letting him bat the puzzle pieces. The dogs are not much interested.

I found out that Shirley was the one who sent us the fuzzy cardinal blanket. Thank you, Shirley. It was so good to talk to you the other evening. The blanket is the perfect weight to curl up under while I am writing. Adding to the cardinal motif, I heard a pair of cardinals singing yesterday. Cardinals have now become my voice. I can’t sing, but they certainly can!

All of this is to say that I love you and miss you. Our friends remember you fondly. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of those who love you. You are never alone. I am still trying to find an agent to represent your book. Mostly what I am getting is agents that say I have an interesting concept but they are not looking for memoirs at this time. Sigh. I will keep trying. I love you to the moon and back. Mom.

Democracy, Ravi!

Dear Ravi,

Tuesday was a great day for democracy in Minnesota, and other states that had primary elections. To our delight, Peggy Flanagan beat out Angie Craig and will run for MN senator in the fall, hopefully replacing Tina Smith who is stepping down. Amy Klobachar handily won the Democratic vote for Senator. Mike Lindell, the pillow guy, is crying into this pillow and claiming fraud. He is blaming everyone from immigrants to people in Venezuela. Whatever, dude. It was a great day for progressive democracy in our state. I know that you would be proud. After a few victory parties, it is time to focus our attentions on the midterm elections in November. You know as well as the rest of us how important those are. Once again, I will cast my ballot with you and Mercury firmly in mind. I certainly hope that they have enough sense to get out and vote. Whether they know it or not, their future well -being is on the line.

Yesterday was a good day. I got together with Robin for coffee and Pam for a dog walk. She is still trying to find a home for her foster puppy, Callaway. He is super cute and smart. If you know of anyone in the universe who needs a lovely puppy, please send them to Pam or to Safe Hands Rescue. Today, all three of our dogs have dates. I am walking Jack Jack and Gloria with Lucia at 8am and then Raya with Laurie at 10 am. Laurie and I will meet at the nature preserve. Do you remember when we used to walk there and check out the baby owlets? To me, that seems both like yesterday and a lifetime ago. I hope that there are owlets in heaven.

I talked to Jenn on Monday about being a peer bereavement mentor. I will do the training in November. I want other bereaved parents to know that they do not have to walk this path alone. You and Zach will always be remembered. Other parents who have suffered a loss should know that their precious child is remembered as well. I remember you when I see something funny and I laugh. I remember you when I cry out in anguish because you are so missed. You are my first thought when I awaken and my last thought as I drift off to sleep. Ravi, as we fight for a more progressive democracy, know that I always carry you with me. Love you to the moon and back. Mom.

Primary Day!

Dear Ravi,

Minnesota and Wisconsin have primary elections today. I was up bright and early at our polling place. The foot traffic was brisk and there were more than a few people signing up to vote for the first time. Everyone was smiling, directing people, and handing out stickers. It was a very upbeat place. I voted a straight Democratic ticket for you and for Mercury. I will always have your best interests at heart. I wish you could have been there with me.

Before voting I took Jack Jack to the vet for his dental cleaning. The techs all made a big fuss over him, and he happily trotted into the back to garner more belly rubs. He will be spending most of the day there and I will walk Gloria and Raya. Daddy was going to soar today but there is a low indefinite ceiling and looks like there is little lift. Right now, he is sleeping the sleep of the just. I think we are still recovering from the last week of travel, family, and friends. It is very good to be home where things are peaceful and pets are plenty.

I have a meeting with Jenn today, my bereavement peer and plan to talk to her about becoming a peer mentor. Talking with her is one of the highlights of my week and I want to pass that on to others, parents who have lost a child. Together, we will keep the memories of our children alive and well.

This is just a short note today. I just wanted to let you know that I voted and will vote again in November. I am sitting in my favorite reading chair surrounded by pictures of cardinals. Gloria is lying at my feet, hoping for a walk. Nikki is snoozing. I miss you. I love you forever. Mom.

Thank you!

Dear Friends,

Robert and I just returned from a trip to Indiana to help his siter and her husband. Though it was lovely to see them we are very happy to be back with our pets, celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. An Amazon package showed up this morning. It held a wonderfully soft and fuzzy blanket with cardinals all over it. Robert and I were charmed. Unfortunately, we do not know who sent it to us. We would love to know so that we can send a thank you card. If you are reading this and just sent us an amazon package, could you please let your presence be known? It is a welcome addition to our burgeoning cardinal collection.

I want to remind everyone that tomorrow is the day to vote in the primaries, if you have not already voted. We plan to be at our local polling place bright and early tomorrow. Ravi was very proud to vote for Biden in 2020. Please carry on his legacy by casting your ballot. I do not need to remind anyone that a lot is riding on the primaries and the voting this November. We cannot afford for anyone to sit this out, stay at home, or to think that their vote does not matter. Let Ravi and me assure you, your vote matters. Go vote!

All of the critters are happy to have us back. Nikki is purring. Raya, Gloria, and Jack Jack have lots to say and have happily strewn bones all over the house. Catherine gets up occasionally to run on her wheel and eat bugs. We spent a wonderful weekend with our Virginia friends, Etta, Denny, and Rich. We went to the Como Zoo, cooed at all the animals, rode the carousel, and toured the US Bank Stadium. It was a full day, but a wonderful time was had by all.

Now that we are home I am continuing to write and research how to be a better writer. My goal is to send out at least 15 letters of query to agents every month. I am determined not to let Ravi’s story just live in my computer and my blog but spread it to the wider world at large. Did you know that at least 7 children in the US die from cancer every day? Did you know that the treatments for osteosarcoma are over 40 years old and that pediatric cancers make up less than 4% of the annual American Cancer Society budget? I will always be an autism advocate, but now I am an osteosarcoma advocate as well. 4 years ago, we had never even heard of osteosarcoma. On December 9, 2022, our world went sideways and has never come back to normal. It never will come back to normal. There is a new normal, but it is always laden by grief and loss. Thank you for letting me share our story with you. Thank you for all the random cardinal gifts and cards. You have no idea how much they mean to us. Be good humans, go vote, and I will be in touch. Cheers! Harriet.

Cardinals and Thank You

Dear Readers,

First of all, thank you so much for your support during the month of July. As you know, it was Sarcoma Awareness Month. Throughout the month you commented on my blogs and posts, donated graciously to the Ravi Herndon Trust through the Osteosarcoma Institute, and providing ongoing love and support. Robert and I are overwhelmed. We know that the spirit of Ravi lives on in your love and the stories that you share.

Speaking of Ravi; I was returning from a dog walk this morning. I have a flag on my lawn with cardinals on it, given to me by my dear friend, Karen. As the Raya and I pulled into the yard, there was a male juvenile cardinal sitting on the cardinal sign! Ravi was paying us a visit. I greeted him warmly and he cocked his head at me. A minute later he flew into a nearby tree, stretched his wings and preened. It is obvious that our boy is feeling good this morning.

This is only a brief blog, but we have been on this journey together for a long time. By your thoughts, words, and actions we have never been alone. I want you to know that this is deeply appreciated. Be good humans and we will be in touch. Harriet.

There Appears to have been a Struggle

Dear Ravi,

Every day I get a new writing prompt which I do not usually bother to read or follow. Today was different. The prompt was What is your Home Decorating Style? This strikes me as funny. I didn’t know that I had a home decorating style. My home is decorated by pets, both furry and quilled, copious amounts of books, music, CDs and an upright piano.. The house is over 100 years old and comes equipped with its own poltergeist. The floors and furniture are tastefully decorated with a heavy layer of dog fur. It does not matter how often I vacuum or sweep, the fur always returns. In the wet or snowy seasons, the back entry way is decorated with little paw prints. The windows are graciously covered in little doggie nose prints. One can walk into our house and feel that some sort of epic struggle went on right before one darkened the door. Was the struggle with a dog, a cat, a hedgehog, the poltergeist? No one knows and the animals are not talking. The ghost offered no comment and flitted off.

When people walk into our home, I want them to feel comfortable. We have inviting chairs and interesting things to read or look at. We are not formal at all. 24 years ago, you taught me just to roll with the curveballs that life lobs at me and I have followed your lead ever since. We set up this home so you and your sibling Mercury would feel safe and loved. Your artwork was on the fridge. Swings hung from various entry ways and in the basement. Until you outgrew it there was always a mini trampoline on hand, in case someone had an irrepressible urge to bounce. Martha Steward would clutch her pearls if she saw my kitchen. It is set up for the convenience of your daddy and me and our collection of pets. My reading chair in in the corner under the windows and the cat has tastefully decorated the chair with his very own claws, thank you Nikki.

Anyway, this prompt made me laugh and do some writing for fun. I have spent all day working on your manuscript, a plot synopsis and a letter of query. I enjoy this kind of cerebral work. I am delighted that 7 weeks out of surgery I can now focus for hours at a time. It was also refreshing to write something completely different!

Daddy just got home from the airfield. He is very happy because he was aloft for 2 hours and 53 minutes. There was no wind here, but there was good lift out at Stanton. He is now busy rehydrating. Gloria is happy that we are both in the same room and she does not have herd anyone. Raya is happy because Gloria is having a moment of calm. Anyway, just wanted to touch base. I will talk to Jenn tomorrow about being a bereavement peer and when I can do the necessary training. For tonight, however, I will be a creature of leisure, happy in our comfortable home. Love you forever. Mom.