Ravi in a roller coaster

Good morning, Ravi! It is Memorial Day. Today we remember George Floyd who was taken from us too soon. His murder kicked off weeks of riots and turmoil in the Twin Cities. Thick black smoke covered the metro area. There were 8pm curfews. We still cringe at the sound of low flying helicopters. I hope that you and George are running free in heaven.

A few days ago, our friend Karen sent me a hilarious video. It was a male cardinal in a tree that was being buffeted by wind. No matter how hard the wind blew, that cardinal just hung on. In fact, it looked like he was having fun! It was a birdie roller coaster! I thought of how much you loved the roller coaster at Nickelodeon Universe. (Sorry, I still think of it as Camp Snoopy. Your mama is old.) You loved the roller coaster, and you loved the swings. I loved taking you on them. It was an out of body experience for both of us. It felt like flying, just like that cardinal. Are there roller coasters and swings in heaven?

Yesterday was a good day. We got to hang out with a very fun 4-year-old and went to a party with not one, but two, dogs! Your daddy played Bananagrams and I learned a new game with dominos. We spent hours just hanging out with our friends who have known and loved you since birth. There is not soaring today, so I think Daddy is going to mow the lawn. We will walk the dogs and play with the cat. This may not sound exciting to many people, but in our minds, it is the perfect kind of day.

I am 15 days out from my surgery unless something opens up first. I don’t want to take anyone’s surgery spot from them, but I would really like to get this spinal fusion out of the way. This will be a long summer of recovery, but that is better than sitting around being nervous about the fusion. You and Gloria thought I was really boring after my last surgery, all I wanted to do was sleep! After two weeks I perked up and was more fun, but healing takes time. I should only be in the hospital one night and I will take your prayer shawl and your courage blanket with me, so neither of us are ever alone. Right now, the kitty is asleep at my feet. Gloria is working on a bone. Jack Jack is trying to decide if it is worth the risk of trying to steal the bone. Raya is keeping a wide berth. She is definitely the smartest one of the bunch. She steers clear from drama, learns tricks super quickly, and adores Daddy. I know Rosie was our heart dog, but I think you would like Raya. She is a gentle soul. Guess what?! Alissa is coming to town in a few weeks! We get to see her and Alan. That is definitely something to look forward to after surgery. She is such a bright light in this world. You were so right when you chose her as your best friend. No word from Mercury, but we always pray for their safety and a reconciliation. I miss you and love you, sweet boy. Mom.