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A CHRISTMAS CARD MEMORY

For those who send Christmas or holiday cards in the mail, you’ve probably begun looking for the perfect photos and designs to express your sentiments. This week people are snapping pictures like crazy at the beach, at theme parks, and in front of holiday decorations as they rush to get just the right image. While I have helped more than my fair share of people in this effort,  I have also received requests for pet portraits. Shown is one such effort that included  two adorable poodles owned by Sandi–they were her “babies”. When Sandi got cancer and no longer could teach, she set up a desk in her home and pretended her dogs were her grade school students. Throughout her battle with cancer those loving poodles stayed right next to her. The bond was undeniable and even more apparent as  this dear friend’s system weakened and her energy began to fade. The normally playful pets put their bodies right up to Sandi to keep her warm day and night. I saved the Christmas card I helped Sandi make and when I pull it out each year around this time, it reminds me about the woman who loved kids, pets and was constantly involved in acts of kindness.