He clutched a brilliant bouquet when he came to the fence. So bright and colorful I thought the flowers were artificial at first glance. But no, with Hailey’s help, he picked them from the raised garden that he helped plant months ago — glowing orange and hot pink geraniums, a pink begonia, a deep red celosia plume, pink polka dotted hypoestes.
And I’d brought along a surprise to show him. Pippa. I’d held off introducing her until I felt comfortable with the idea. Even though Leslie and Carolynn were convinced their dad had forgotten his Golden Doodle Nobby, I was convinced meeting Pippa might spur sad memories and upset him. It didn’t.
Peter did refer to her as “him,” and he called her Nobby several times. He tried pet her through the fence, but she would have none of it unless I would let her squirm her way under the gate towards him. I wouldn’t. But lively little Westie that she is, she “talked” constantly in her squeaky little voice. We didn’t understand a word, but she made us laugh anyway.
We talked for nearly an hour, mostly about Pippa. When I got ready to leave I thanked Peter again for the flowers. “What flowers?” he said.
“These!” I held them up.
“Where did they come from?”
“From you! From that raised bed over there that you helped plant up last spring.”
He shook his head and chuckled. “If you say so.”
“I do,” I said.
Header photo: Peter presents me with a posy.
I follow your blog, but must have missed something! What happened to Nobby and who is Pippa?
I love reading your stories….I had a husband with at TBI and six strokes, so I felt a real connection of you.
My Sweetheart lived another twenty years and I called him”Miracle Man”. You are a blessing!
Thank you, Joan. You can read find out about Nobby and answer your questions about Pippa by clicking on the link within the text of’ Peter and Pippa meet at last.’ I think you have missed quite a few posts, but you can backtrack if you want to.
As tears roll down my cheeks I can relate to every word of this story. Your right. Alzheimers is so sad. but I think it may be harder for me then him. Thank you for your story
Thanks you, Janice.
You didn’t tell me he had given you flowers! Love it!
Yes. They’re on my desk. Fading but still colorful four days later.
Awwwww. So glad they finally got to meet!! 💖
Me too. It had been worrying me as you know.
He gave you flowers!? Awwwwww!
Pippa and Poppy, love it❣️
Me too! The flowers are beside me on my desk, but a bit witty now. Still, I’ll keep them as long as I can. ;->
Precious story as always. Thank you !
And I thank you, Amy.
I love reading your blogs, but they always make me cry. They are a beautiful tribute to the love you have for each other. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Sue. Don’t mean to cause tears tho’.