Tuesday January 13, 2015

OK, cat people... how long does this kitten stage last?  Is it possible that Sylvie has reached the terrible twos?

She currently likes to bite our fingers, play in the houseplants and chew on Sunny's leg.  We had to move our couch back against the wall so she couldn't use it as a jungle gym.  Those claws and leather aren't a good match.  Oh, and when she's hungry, all things must wait until she is fed.  She has an affinity for popcorn, and feels free to help herself to some right out of the bowl.  We sometimes think she looks possessed...

This, too shall pass... right?

Now, when she wants to snuggle on your chest and sleep, that's not so bad...

Other than the kitty from hell, this week has been more routine.  Erin has a whole five day week and Dan is headed out of town this morning.  Only really good sales guys drive to Duluth when it's -19 below.

Me, I am in the midst of organizing our Shannon scholarship applications.  This is one of my favorite parts of running the Shannon O'Hara Foundation.  Reading the essays and letters or recommendation for these young people is truly an honor.  It's the best way I know to pay it forward, to do something positive out of our tragedy.

Funding brain tumor research is important to us, too, but realistically, a few thousands dollars here or there is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to research.  But, $2000 for a kid to use towards his or her college education?  That makes a dent.

So, over the next few weeks we will be reviewing these applications and then meeting as a board to choose our winners.  Scholarship night this year is February 14th at the Century vs. Mayo boys hockey game.  Start planning now to bring your sweetheart to the rink for Valentine's Day...

But, we've got some ground to cover before then, starting with a Shannon Cup tournament this weekend.  The 14A & 14B teams kick it off with games on Friday night.  While it's still difficult to watch Shannon's teammates out there playing, it's a connection to the thing she loved.

I think life will always be like this now.  Time marches on, yet we want to stay connected.  Painful as it is at times, it's the path we've chosen for ourselves in the after.  Moving forward, thinking back...