Hello Everyone!
Now that you are all in the world of Rett I thought I’d share this exciting news http://www.rsrf.org/about_rsrf/1.5.27.html
It just brings us closer to a cure! Keep the prayers going up.Â
God Bless,
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Tara & Family
Here I am again,
After announcing the upcoming arrival of “Hiya” the 3 month old puppy that’s soon to become part of the Reddington pack, I left out a bit of information that has come to my attention through a few curious email responses.
We found out that Grace had Rett Syndrome on October 24th 2006, a Tuesday. On the following Sunday, October 29th, Gansett, our beloved yellow lab died after 14 years. The timing could be considered cruel and unusual punishment however I look at it as a blessing. David and I long dreaded “that day” because we knew we would both be devastated. Under the circumstances, we had a different perspective and had to talk about the fact that “she’s only a dog” and Grace’s diagnosis far outweighed the heartache of the death of a pet.
Gansett, as so many of you know was so intricately entwined in our hearts and lives. We never went anywhere without her. David couldn’t even go down to the sea wall without having to pack her up with the rest of us, dog hair and all. She was a beautiful example of all that is pure and lovely in the world. She also represented a time when life was carefree and normal.
I don’t think I even realized she died until one day this past winter when things got really bad in my house watching Grace deteriorate. I went looking for Gansett to throw my arms around her and allow her to absorb my tears and every kernel of my emotions as she had done for 14 years of her life. I suddenly realized she was gone. I was craving everything that was “normal” and it was no where around me nor anywhere on the horizon. I grieved heavily for her on that day and I grieve her now as I write this tribute to her.
Gansett was David’s and mine. Our first “baby.” We split the $400 to buy her and shared every joy of her puppyhood together. She was with us when he proposed to me on the Saco River in New Hampshire. She was there every time when we brought home each of our five babies and she lovingly accepted the intrusions without complaint. She slowly lost status with each new child but she was never resentful. She was always available for me to bury my cold feet in her fur or for me to “bark” at her in frustration over things that had nothing to do with her.
Hiya is joining us now as part of a big family. She will have a different role. She will be the stoic shoulder for the kids to lean on and perhaps I will find one or more of my children sobbing into her chest someday seeking comfort. She’s just what we need right now and we’re ready for her. Like a friend (J.R.) remarked, ” I know Gansett would approve of this…there’s nothing like a pooch smooch to set things right!”
Amen, I say. G.B.G. - “God Bless Grace” (& tonight…Gansett)
-Tara
Greetings from Grace and the Reddingtons,
Thought you’d be interested in an update. We are still receiving checks in the mail daily and so far have reached $125,000 from the Strollathon!!
Now, to the meat of the email…
We are picking up “Hiya” (pronounced High-A) on Saturday June 16th. She’ll be 13 weeks old and she literally has fallen into our laps in one of those “it’s just meant to be” scenarios that guides our lives. The name “Hiya” is from Grace as many of you know, it’s something she can and does repeat often. We thought it fitting for this little dog who will inevitably be Grace’s best playmate as they nibble each other and roll around together.
“Hiya has an extremely gentle expression on her face that sets her apart from the rest of them. They are all cute, but she is special”
Above is a quote from her rescue worker who took in 13 purebred labrador pups in a very unique situation where the breeder failed to apply for the correct paperwork and was unable to sell the puppies. The thirteen pups were given to an agency and “by chance” (but not really in the scheme of things) I happened to receive an “FYI” about the agency the same week she found out she was receiving the pups…truly, one of those classic Reddington moments. Patty, the worker, told me with her experience, she would give us the first pick for an ideal “therapy-type” dog that would work well with our situation. I could tell her heart was invested and that along with God’s guidance, she would find the perfect pup for us to adopt.
For the masses of you who are thinking we are crazy to get a puppy right now, I understand. However, we live following the course of the breath of God that blows us in the direction He sees fit for us. We’ve been blown toward this puppy so we are embracing her and the love and joy she will bring into our home.
The quote from Patty at the agency doesn’t surprise me at all. Anything connected to Grace is always “special” and certainly “set apart from the rest”.
More pictures later. Hiya is the dog on the right in the shot of two puppies.
Puppy Love,
Tara