Back to reality

We are going to miss Tamara and Max’s company this week. Gilly has improved by leaps and bounds, in my estimation, due in large part to their involvement in Gilly’s daily activities. Today they had him out walking and then went out for a boat ride directly afterwards. It started to rain and so they had to return, despite the fact that Gilly was keen to keep on going. They were wise enough not to listen, but Max commented on how great it was that Gilly had the desire to forge ahead.

Tamara offered him a sandwich and he accepted. I haven’t seen him eat a ‘normal’ lunch in a dog’s age. He didn’t squawk when she handed him a full plate of food. I quietly mentioned the smoothie that he hadn’t touched since he went on the boat instead coming in to flop in his chair after the walk. Tamara asked him about it and he said, “I guess so,” and took a sip.

All in all, Gilly has taken a giant step forward over the last couple of days. Ironically, the medicine he is about to take (chemo) will likely push him backwards to some degree. I’m relieved that he’s ahead of the game to start with, though, furnished with new strength and vigor for the second round of his fight.

I may as well have been at my desk all night. I lay in bed worrying about all the tasks that need to get done by the time the students arrive on the 28th. I finally fell asleep in the wee hours of the morning. I was productive this morning, despite the distractions, so I hope to sleep more soundly tonight.

John and Co. arrived yesterday afternoon. Whistler and Liylah have been chasing balls and waves together. Throngs of young children happen to be staying up north this week (like the old days in Birch Point, only we were here all summer long). The two dogs are being loved to bits by little people. Liylah will remain up here with Tamara for the week to allow her as much freedom to run and play as possible before heading back to reality. Again, I have to pack up my computer, so I bid you adieu. More details tomorrow.