As some of you may already know, the baby of our family and gym mascot RBI was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor that initially triggered her to have seizures.  Fortunately, until this past Thursday, she only experienced two epileptic-type episodes before medication was able to keep them at bay.

However, late Thursday night (2/13) she suffered a “breakthrough” seizure (one that “breaks through” her medication) that began a cycle of “cluster” seizures in which, like clockwork, even with added and increased medication, she “seized” every five hours.  They were so unpredictable, she and I spent Thursday and Friday night at the gym so I could sleep next to her and have immediate access to the shower stalls in order to care for her as soon as the event began – and so Tracy could get some rest at home.  As you can imagine, it is emotionally and physically exhausting seeing such a loving creature in so much distress.

We began Saturday with the hopes that the medication was finally able to fully enter the blood stream and combat her attacks.  However, at 3AM, 8AM and 11AM, she seized – each time “recovering” more disoriented than previously.  So, I am sad to report, that after a phone consultation with her vet, Dr. Husky, we decided that it was time to send RBI back to from where she was sent…Heaven!

I know many of you are aware of my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and I respect those of you who don’t share the same sentiment, but I believe that she really was a gift from above and that she was put on this earth to help give me the strength to overcome so much of the adversity I experienced these past three years.

I can only pray that I gave her as much love as she gave me and everyone else she encountered.  And for all of you, whether you liked dogs or not (Mariann), whether you were allergic or not (Mark), you never grumbled about having her there.  Even when she “dropped a peppermint”.  Right Joanne?  And for that, I love you all and thank you very much for making these last two and a half years so pleasurable.  It is not often that someone can bring their best friend to work everyday!