August 16, 2018

White Dog rested with her head on my lap and smiled. "I was a little worried that we did not plan enough things to keep Dad busy," she said, "but I think everything worked out just fine."

"Better than fine, Little White Dog of My Heart. You and the others gave him a day of no stress, living in the moment, and enjoying the things we all love to do together. Did you see his smile when we were all making the birthday cake together and sharing cherries? He was just totally enjoying the process."

Tizenegy's music choices across the day were soothing and lovely. He started the morning with piano works and segued into space fusion/jazz for the afternoon spent in the shady yard playing, chasing, enjoying the long golden times. Steve slipped away for a brief time to indulge in a ride on his new electric bike which he has been too busy to enjoy; the WDA cheered his return with The Happy Birthday Song. We napped briefly to Enya (a WDA favorite) before diving in to share in dinner preparation.

The White Dogs birthday menu included (besides cherry almond pound cake with fresh cherry filling and buttercream icing topped with almonds) wedge salad (yum! bacon!), steak stuffed with shallots, mushrooms and bleu cheese, chicken breast stuffed with cornbread and baby spinach, and garlic mashed potatoes. They know Steve loves steak but eats it seldom because of his gout, so they cleverly devised a combination that allowed him a taste without an attack later. And of course, cherries (as in the cake) are supposed to protect against gout.

After, we sat together and watched the stars come out. We felt the WDA from over the Bridge join us as we shared memories and talked about Steve's hopes for the his new year. Bella zoomed in and suggested we get up and DANCE; no one had the energy to do more than snuggle.

Steve picked Bella up into his lap. "What a difference a year makes Bella Bee," he told her. "You never would have been brave enough to let me hold you like this; I am glad you are finally feeling you can trust me." She touched her nose to his arm and they shared a deep look.

It filled my heart to look across the living room to see WD next to Steve on one side, Zso and Bai on the other. Bella in his arms. Nilla and Tizenegy pressed against his legs. In the distance between us Opal rested; Roman sat at my feet and Pearl kept watch from the Watching Chair. Clearly Steve is loved...and he knows it.

Is there a better birthday gift?