November 23rd is a very important date.
CHARLEY I pride myself on being quite the history buff but that doesn’t ring any bells.
This year it was the fourth anniversary of Gus passing his Pet Partners test with a perfect score, the first step in his therapy dog journey. That meant so much to me because the family who had to rehome him as a puppy simply asked me to give him a good life.
It was also Stanley’s year and a half birthday.
ELBEE Excuse me. His half birthday?
It’s hard to believe he was that little puppy who fell asleep in my lap the first day I met him.
Not only is he physically large, but he has developed a huge personality. Stanley does drama. If he gets a leaf or heaven forbid a twig on his paw when we’re walking, he throws himself down on the sidewalk.
ELBEE He’s a regular Sarah Bernhardt.
I know you must be thinking that I have an incredible memory to recall the dates of these events.
ELBEE Oh yes, that’s just what we were thinking.
The real reason November 23rd means so much to me is because it’s my grandson Ryder’s birthday. I was driving to Gus’s testing at UCLA when I got the exciting news that Ryder had arrived.
CHARLEY I believe what she just did is called burying the lead.
ELBEE And she’s still desperately hoping for grandma influencer? I have a better chance of getting sainthood.
Ryder was born with Hirschsprung’s disease, a complicated illness that in simple terms causes severe intestinal dysfunction. He has been in and out of the hospital so many times that I’ve lost count. But what a little fighter!
Danielle and her husband Jay, whom we adore despite his being a cat person, have fought for him every step of the way. Through every difficult moment they have offered love and strength. With endless determination, they have found him the best medical care. At only six years old, his big sister Bella has developed true compassion.
Despite still having some health issues to deal with, Ryder has come so far. His birthday party was a true celebration of his turning four. More importantly, it was a celebration of his resilience, his energy, his joy. He’s in constant motion, talks non-stop and is into everything. In short, he’s just what a four year old boy should be. As a bonus, he’s also funny.
ELBEE I’m sure she thinks he gets that from her side of the family.
