A couple of life events occurred in the Alexander home recently…
Last Friday, we experienced our first time to have a pet undergo surgery. Our sweet little Jack (12-lb silky terrier) is recuperating from a completely detached ACL, bless him. He has to wear the cone (yes, “of shame”) for two weeks with very limited movement/walking during that time, and after two weeks only gradual walking. He can’t run or jump for another eight weeks (!!).
After trying to barricade him in with pillows and other household objects, we broke down and—okay, I’m slightly embarrassed admitting this—bought a playpen, the cheapest one we could find, to keep him corralled for the duration. And oh, is it a lifesaver!
He’s never stayed in a kennel and usually has “run of the house,” so a kennel would have added major anxiety for him on top of the pain. So this is a compromise of sorts, and a very new and unwelcome change for him. But he’s adjusting, sweet little guy.
I’m so grateful for Dr. Mirae Wood and this surgery. Otherwise, Jack would have gone lame and eventually lost his right hind leg. We were playing ball on partial carpet/wood floor and he slipped and tore the ligament completely. #FeelSOBad
Lesson: Play ball ONLY on fully carpeted area. Sigh…
Second life event…
Joe and I celebrated 30 years of marriage yesterday! And we were especially celebrating the “in sickness” part of our vows because we’re both a bit under the weather. Nothing serious, just a virus or cold or something. But we pretty much stayed in and watched TV and chatted and took care of Jack. It wasn’t half bad… 🙂
Then our kids, Kelsey and Kurt, brought over dinner for us. So sweet. And this after they threw us a SURPRISE 30th Wedding Anniversary party two weeks ago. It was such fun. Here are some glimpses with friends and family…
Kelsey put together a slide show of pictures through the years, so that’s what we’re watching in the bottom right pic above.
With Kurt, Kelsey, & Joe at Granite City
(one of my favorite restaurants and where the party was held)
The party was a complete surprise to me and Joe—and such a sweet gift from our kids. One we’ll treasure, along with the many cards and emails and notes they gathered from friends and family. We’re incredibly blessed!
When’s the last time you’ve been completely surprised by someone? Either by an event or some kindness done? And if you’ve ever had a pet undergo surgery and have advice for help in healing, I’d love to know!
Tammy
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Tamera Alexander
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Well Tammy,
Congrats to you both for your 30th Wedding Anniversary.What a wonderful surprise Kelsey and Kurt giving you the party.You are so Blessed my friend.. I like your photos too:)
We celebrated our wedding anniversary yesterday too(15th Dec) but we stayed at our favourite resort and spent a wonderful evening dining and drinking in all the beauty around us. If I had known it was your anniversary,I would have sent you a Congratulatory Message …and a “get well” message by all accounts.:) Do hope you are both feeling better and that goes for little Jack too.
The best thing you can do is exactly what you are doing..plenty of TLC and making him comfortable and secure and pray healing takes place effectively.
You mention surprises..well Australia got a huge shock with the events that unfolded so dramatically and certainly not the type of surprise you were meaning
Please keep us( as a Nation) in your Prayers and particularly for those who suffered personally and also their families.
Bless you Tammy.
Happy Anniversary, Rosie, and I’m so glad you guys were able to get away. Sounds nice. Joe and I feeling some better, so hopefully we’re on the mend. I know so many people have been and will continue to pray for you guys in light of the attack by the Islamic terrorist in Sydney yesterday. So tragic. We watched it unfold on television along with you all, and were praying and lifting those hostages up. Evil abounds in this world, and the only answer is Jesus Christ. Praying for comfort and healing, friend.
Congrats on thirty years together. My husband and I are working on thirty four for this next year.
I recently volunteered to read a book for an author and make corrections for her. I was thrilled to get to read a book for free. Afterwards she totally surprised me by gifting me a $50 Amazon card. I told her when she released it I would write her a very favorable review because I really enjoyed the book?
Hey Gail, congrats on 33+ years! We’re hot on your trail, woman! 😉 That’s great that you volunteered to do that. Being a pre-reader/proof reader is so important. My publishers handle that part of the process for me and I’m so grateful for those extra sets of eyes! They make all the difference!
Oh Tammy….poor little Jack – – bless his little heart. 🙁 I’m so sorry about his surgery and am praying for his full recovery. How (sadly) ironic he experienced this, because one of my kitties also recently had unexpected surgery (and even had to wear the “cone of shame” while staying in the animal hospital). 🙁 Precious, a very sweet one-eyed kitty who “adopted us” several years ago, had developed a terrible infection where her missing eye is – – so my wonderful Vet had to perform surgery, put in stitches, and keep her for almost a week (when I got to visit her and saw that cone I almost cried). Anyway, she’s now had her stitches out and is happily at home, living the spoiled and pampered life all of my kitties live!! 😉 All of this to say my only advice for helping little Jack is to keep pampering and soothing him (which I’m sure you’re doing!). 🙂
And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and Joe!! 🙂 How special and sweet of your kiddos to hold a surprise party for you!! Looks like everyone had a wonderful time (and your precious Dad looks really good!). 🙂
I do hope your cold/virus is on the mend….am also fighting a miserable cold, and they’re no fun. AND my poor son had to miss his Georgia Tech Graduation ceremony this past Saturday due to a horrific stomach virus 🙁 and I felt SO badly for him…he felt awful having to miss it, but I assured him it couldn’t be helped (to me, nausea is the WORST…blah…). We’d planned a surprise grad. party for him – – complete with cake, signs, etc. – – I’ll admit the cake is being eaten, so it didn’t go to waste. 😉
Here’s to a happy, HEALTHY Christmas for us ALL!!! 🙂 Hugs and Love, Patti Jo
Oh, so sorry about your son and him being sick. Makes me sad. Praying he’s better and that God gives him a “graduation moment” all his own. Yay on that cake not going to waste though. Be sure to save him some for when he’s better! You’re always such an encouragement, Patti Jo. So glad we’re on this earthly journey together. And bless you for your kind and generous heart for animals. Even if you do love cats best. LOL! Seriously though, you have such a loving heart. Hugs to you down South!
Happy Anniversary! My husband celebrated his 73rd birthday on the 13th and I celebrated my 68th birthday yesterday. On Saturday our daughter and son in law took us out for a special dinner at our favorite restaurant.
Hope your little dog gets better and you don’t have too much trouble keeping him confined to a play pen.
Merry Christmas
Shirley
Hey Shirley and thanks for sharing today. Wonderful on the special dinner celebration. Congrats! Time with family and friends is to be treasured, isn’t it? Much love to you!
Chiming in with combined “Happy Anniversary” and “Get Well Soon, Jack” wishes. I think the playpen is a great idea. He can see through it, it looks extra snuggly, and he has enough room to move around a little. In fact, during this fun (but busy) season, I wouldn’t mind spending some quiet time in one of those, myself…. 😉
ROFLOL, Becky. Made me laugh. Hugs to you, friend, and thanks for the well wishes.
Congratulations on your anniversary!
And my sympathies with your poor little guy! I’m betting he just needs lots of attention since he’s cooped up so he doesn’t feel forgotten. Feel better soon – all three of you!
Thanks, Sparks! Appreciate you sharing today. Blessings in your corner of the world!
Merry Christmas, Tammara. I hope all three of you will feel much better by the 25th.
I love your books. I wish you wrote one every week.