Day 393

Modern medicine is such a miracle! This morning, Mr. Mac had a couple cancerous spots removed from the top of his head. All margins were clear by the time we headed home! Not too many decades ago, this story would have ended in a different way! Thank you to the medical staff and researchers everywhere who make our lives more hopeful!

When we returned home, there were four Therapy Dogs waiting to do what they do best...love! They surrounded him and wouldn't leave his side. While the four Goldens kept him safe, I put some brownies in the oven and the first course of medicine was delivered: "Brownie Batter!" (Ranger tried, but didn't sneak any chocolate!) Mac said he was already "on the mend." The pups have not left his side, even though the bowl of left-over brownie batter was removed!

When I was young, there were special ways my folks could make everything better.

Cold: Vicks Vaporub on the chest under an old diaper!

Flu: Burned toast with a little butter and jelly.

Injured appendages: Ice cubes in a dish cloth.

Hurt feelings: Hugs, reassurance and a treat (popsicles, cookie dough, etc.)

The list goes on and on, but the best remedy for ANYTHING that hurt was the hand of my mom, dad or Nanny. The feel of those hands, cool on my head, made the hurt recede no matter where the pain was...even if the "hurt" my feelings. I can still feel the love that accompanied those gestures and feel grateful that I was surrounded by so much tenderness.

Well, I better take my own hands and check up on Mr. Mac. I am not sure I can reach his forehead, but I can certainly hold his hand. Hopefully that will make him feel better...if not, there are always four wagging tails close by!