Celebrating Daddy

Wow!  Another day to celebrate Daddy.  Last month we had Happy Daddy's Day and this weekend was Happy Birthday Daddy Day.  The night before his birthday, everyone shoots off fireworks.  Mommy told me that is to celebrate the birthday of our country, but I think it is to kick off Daddy's Birthday.  I believe everyone knew Daddy would be awesome when he was born.

We sang the "Happy Birthday" song several times throughout the day.  I do not sing well, but I do bark and wag my tail in time to the music.  I just know Rudy is dancing in heaven.  It is great fun!  Mommy took Daddy out for dinner and had a good meal.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

Daddy's Steak!

Mommy and the Birthday Boy

Mommy's Shrimp - MMMMMM!

Two Great Days

Brief note about last week's blog: a grammatical error and typo appeared in last week's guest blog when it was originally posted.  As editor, I take full responsibility.  I am still learning and Rudy has big paw's to fill.  I will continue to work hard.  Thank you!
Boomer!

A good day was had by all on Father's Day.  It was fun hanging out with Daddy.  I gave him this fabulous card with a picture of a yellow lab on it.  Mommy made him a card.  It was a bit dorky, but we'll give her an A for effort.  Daddy has taken an interest in photography, so we got him a new camera.  He used it for our program last week.

The program at the Hastings Library last week really went well.  We were a little worried since it was our first one since our little Rudy went to heaven, but I think we were prepared.  Mommy and Daddy practiced reading the stories a few times.  That was going to be one of the harder parts, but Daddy sailed through it with one small catch in his throat.  Mommy was even able to join in on the song!

Mommy tried a new technique with the group.  Instead of doing most of the talking, she asked questions, especially when a difficult subject seemed imminent.  It kept the audience going and kids love to share!  We still shared a lot of information with them, but didn't reach uncomfortable stages.

The whole audience was very responsive, clapping, laughing and interacting.  It was the biggest group we ever had at the Hastings Library.  We saw some of Rudy's fans - Caleb, Owen and Addison.  It is fun to watch them get older and their love for Rudy is so clear.

Mommy decided the night before that we were going to give a free book of their choice to everyone as a gift.  We usually give little gift bags, but a book just felt right.  We knew Rudy would have wanted it that way.  They loved it!

Only Barb, the librarian could tell Mommy and Daddy were emotional.  She said it was "in their eyes."  Eyes can't hide things.  I guess that's why they are called the windows to our souls!

Here is a slide show of "Story time with Stacy."  That is what the library titled our program.  Stacy is Mommy's other name.  We hope you enjoy.

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

Legacy

Guest Blog from Mommy:
Prayers or good thoughts would be greatly appreciated for us on Wednesday June 19.  It is our first children's program since little Rudy went to heaven.  I have not been able to say Rudy's name in a sentence without tears and trembles since his celebration of life.  I believe shock, sleep deprivation and adrenaline helped us make it through that day.  Now reality has set in.

I do not want to upset the kids and the phrases "giving up" and "not meeting a commitment" are not part of my character.  It will be a challenge.

I used to believe Niche's saying, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."  Stronger is not the word I would use anymore.  Perhaps something like it "changes you" would be more accurate.  Change doesn't have to be negative.  It can make you motivated, driven, empathetic, kind, introspective or informed.  I'm not going to lie and say sad or confused don't creep into the mix once in a while.

A dear old friend recently told me, "time doesn't make a loss easier, it just makes it different."  This is true.  I have always believed in remaining positive and and will try to continue that belief.  Now it has an even more powerful purpose.... and that purpose is to carry on Rudy's legacy.  That little guy never gave up.

I was recently reminded that "Rudy is not only special to us, he is special to many."  Heartfelt thanks to Jill, Michelle, Merry and Courtney for their encouragement.

Gratefully,
Stacy
(Boomer! will return next week with his regular Blog)

Anniversaries

Anniversaries commemorate life changing events.  Some are happy, some sad.  Some affect the world while some are just in our heart alone.

Mommy and Daddy recently celebrated their wedding anniversary, a day which happily impacted the lives in our little world.  My brothers and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that special day!

Last Saturday, Mommy and Daddy had a fabulous dinner at a nice place called Kincaid's.  They would highly recommend it for a special occasion.  The people there were friendly and helpful.  Daddy had a wonderful steak that he could cut with a butter knife.

I had steak once, too.  It was sitting on the kitchen counter waiting to go outside on the grill.  I saw it, it looked good, so I ate it.  I didn't need to worry about cutting it, I gulped it down.  I had a little stomach ache later, but it was worth it!  Mommy and Daddy still don't believe it.

Mommy had crab cakes and asparagus.  She likes to eat healthy.  It sounds good, but I think I prefer the steak!

To top off the evening, the nice people gave Mommy and Daddy a desert called Creme Brule!  That is french for "burnt cream."  They said it was delicious!  Silky and smooth custard with a crust of brown sugar on top.  It was served with fresh berries - Yum, Yum!

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

Is Spring Finally Here?

The lilacs are blooming!  The lilacs are blooming!  These fragrant blossoms are a sure sign that it will not snow again this year.  Well, probably not snow again this year.  Nothing is for sure in Minnesota!

We just wrapped up a two week fundraiser book sale for the PKD Foundation.  PKD stands for Polycystic Kidney Disease.  It is the most common kidney disease but also affects other organs, like the eyes.  Of course, we always wish we could have done more, but we did our best.  We were very excited to receive our first two orders ever from Australia.  Rudy's down under!  We are preparing for a children's program in June.  It will be the first one Mommy has given since Rudy went to heaven.  She is nervous, worried she might cry, but I know Rudy will give her strength.  When she gets home, I will give her many kisses from Rudy and me.

Memorial Day was uneventful.  Daddy wanted to take his annual motorcycle ride to Fort Snelling, but it rained.  We have had a lot of rain.  I hope the sun will make an appearance one of these days.  Muddy conditions hamper my Frisbee playing.

Mommy and Daddy are celebrating their anniversary on Saturday.  They told me the number of years, but it was a big number I never heard of before.  They must be really old!

Love,
Boomer! the Mellow Yellow Lab

PKD, Prance, Present and Milestone

"Slow down, don't pull.  Slow down, don't pull."  I hear Rudy's words of wisdom constantly as I practice walking with Mommy and Daddy.  He is my teacher, having a show dog style prance.  I'll get there.  Unlike his walking, Rudy ran with heavy feet.  Often, it was hard to tell us apart!  Affectionately, Mommy and Daddy called Rudy, "Thunder hoofies" and me, "Dainty feet."  It's funny when a 10 pound poodle sounds like a 70 pound yellow lab.  (Although, I do feel like a little dog, sometimes.)

For "Mommy's Day," the boys gave Mommy a beautiful necklace.  Daddy helped us.  It has the birthstone of each of our birthdays.  Mommy loved it.

We are helping a wonderful organization called the PKD Foundation with a fundraiser May 13 - 27.  Twenty percent of all gross book sales will be donated to their worthy cause.  PKD stands for Polycystic Kidney Disease and it affects 12 and a half million people world wide.  It is the top kidney disease and can even affect different organs in the body along with the kidneys.

Rudy's Little World hit a milestone this week.  We had our first sale from Australia!  That is very far away.  Maybe someday I will visit Australia and hop with the kangaroos.

Our weather is still swinging back and forth, I don't know what to say about that anymore.  So I won't.

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

Lucky

Within three days we reached our first 60, our first 70 and our first 80 degree day of the season!  On May 1, it snowed.  U N B E L I E V A B L E !

I have had a chance to see my neighbor friends more often.  Gertie and I keep track of the neighborhood.  My friend, Hobey Baker, got bit under his eye by another dog.  He wore a cone on his head for a few days, but now he's feeling much better.

Mommy and Daddy went to the 50th anniversary of the transplant program at the University of Minnesota.  They are one of the pioneers of transplants.  In fact - they performed the first kidney transplants on diabetics.  We are very lucky to live so close to wonderful, forward thinking medical facilities.

There was a ceremony for all the living donors.  Mommy has had two living donors.  My Aunt Tammy, who gave Mommy 14 extra years of life and Daddy, who has given just under 4 years.  190 living donors were recognized.  Wow!  It was amazing.  Can you imagine the number of people that wouldn't be here if it weren't for living donors?  Mommy was very lucky to have two generous and caring people in her life.  I know my life would be a lot different if it weren't for them.

Thank you Auntie Tammy and Daddy!  You gave me life, too!

I am starting to practice my walking skills with Mommy and Daddy.  I tend to pull on the lead.  Right now, we are content with the back yard.  I don't have to protect my people very much there, so I can concentrate on walking slow.  Rudy's walking with us in spirit.

Love,
Boomer! the Grateful Mellow Yellow Lab