Fiercely Independent Pam

Tag: special memories

  • Happy Birthday to ME! This is 47!

    So today is the day! I’ve learned to embrace birthdays and make them super special! After all, I’ve been through so much, that birthdays are an important reminder that I have survived 100% of my bad days!

    Birthdays are an important reminder that I have made it further than people thought I would. My whole life has been an uphill battle with myself. Since early childhood and through my teenage years I battled random illnesses and issues. I have been called a “Bulldog” . And I feel like that is quite fitting for my personality.

    Today, I will celebrate. Somehow I ended up with a “cupcake” theme. My nail tech painted a cupcake on my nails, I ordered and received a cupcake for my wheelchair joystick, and managed to find a cupcake sticker for my Dexcom cgm. I feel like I need to buy some cupcakes to share! I also got a balloon to attach to my wheelchair for the day!

    This is last year’s post. At that time I was just settling in to a wonderful community, finished my service dog application and begun the wait process, and excited to share the day with new friends. This year is much of the same, but a renewed effort to discover what I can give to others. Through my technology offerings, other ideas, and remaining positive, I hope I am able to influence people more than just purchasing products.

    Today, I tried something new- holding my breath that it comes through for me and then I will share. The best thing you can do to help is make sure you are following me on my socials and commenting when possible. Oh and of course I am open to any/all prayers.

    Celebrate birthdays, don’t be afraid of getting older, make the memories, and enjoy the attention!

    A pink balloon with colorful poka-dots- that reads "Happy Birthday!"
    A small cupcake with colorful sprinkles and a red cherry that also is joystick cover for a power wheelchair!

  • The End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to My Dear Sofi.

    I received news today about my dear Sofi! Sofi is my yellow lab that lived with me for over 10 years. She is about 16 years old and currently living with my friend, Lauren. Lauren was my caregiver in Florida.

    Lauren sent me a message that she believes it is time to let Sofi go- and cross the Rainbow Bridge. I am devastated. She has lived a great life and I am so fortunate that Lauren was able to take her when I moved back to Myrtle Beach.

    Sofi was an amazing dog who was beyond spoiled, especially by my dad. Her favorite thing was to share a publix banana pudding treat. She always knew she was going to be able to lick the final product.

    As a puppy, and young dog she was living with my brother and his five kids. She became an escape artist and had the entire neighborhood chance after her. She loved breaking free from the house and running the sidewalks of Carolina Forrest. She loved swimming in the pool and chasing the kids when they ran in and out of the pool.

    When it came time for my brother to sell his house, the kids begged me to take Sofi with me to the apartment. She was totally unprepared for this adjustment and it was hard on both of us. She didn’t know how to walk on a leash, but learned quickly with the support of a e-collar, which I hated to use, but got the job done. Then my health got so bad that I needed to quit work and file for disability benefits. This brought me to moving in with my parents.

    She loved “retirement.” We went for a walk around 2pm each day and then jumped into the pool. This occurred until i was too hard for me and her to get in and out of the pool. I decided to have some fun and got her all sort of accessories for different holidays. She was amazing at this time. I was often running to the hospital and utilizing the ambulance. She never ceased to amaze me. Sometimes I had to put her in her “room” and she fought it, unless I told her that I was going to the hospital, then she got right into her room and never made a peep. I know her last years were filled with love from Lauren’s family and lots of sleeping.

    So, Monday morning, Lauren is going to bring her to the vet that I loved so much and hopefully I will be able to FaceTime with her and order some memorial items. She was my first love and true responsibility as an adult. I learned how to bring a dog to the vet and get necessary care.

    I knew this day was coming. I feel like it is a necessary step in clearing things out in order to receive/befriend a service dog. I wish the dogs could have met, but that isn’t going to happen.

    In the meantime, please keep me in your prayers for this difficult time and for all the help from my friends- Lauren and Maria.