marvin "starvin marvin" mickelson 09/20/99-11/19/09

Marvin died tonight mom. The Browns found him in the bushes in front of the house. We think that he had a either a really bad seizure or a stroke. They helped Kallie bring him inside to the kitchen. Kallie says that his breathing was very labored and he wasn't interested in anything, not even cheese. She called dad and he left work immediately to go home and help her out. I feel so bad that she was home when this happened. She always seems to get stuck with these things. I couldn't stop picturing the way I found Max in the yard way back when we lived in Itasca. The way Kallie described it, it was very similar. We're not sure what caused it but he just closed his eyes and stopped breathing while laying on the kitchen floor. Kallie was about to take him to the vet but he didn't make it. Maybe it was better this way, but man this year sucks so much mom. Maybe you will see him soon? I'm not sure how the afterlife works but I'm sure you would enjoy it and so would he. Maybe he missed you too much. That house is beginning to accumulate too much death. I miss you mom, and now I miss Marvin too. 

bears lose...

So tonight at dinner, I brought up the fact that the Bears have been sucking lately and Dad said that he hadn't been watching it this year. Kallie asked why and he wouldn't say but he got this far away look in his eye. He said that he knew what was going on but just couldn't sit down to watch the games lately. I think it's because he misses you and that is what he associates with you. I miss you too. Kallie was watching old home movies so that she could see you. do you get the Bears game where ever you are?

vet tech school

Hi Mom,

Today, Kallie and I trekked out to Tinley Park to visit the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College. Kallie and I got a grand tour and she got the schpeel about the admissions process. She looked really happy when we left and I asked her if she thinks she can do this and she said yes. I am so proud that she is ready to move on and find something that she loves and is good at. I truly believe that she has a gift with animals and I think that she is beginning to realize it too. Unfortunately, when she got home and showed dad the stuff he made a big deal about how much it costs (less than AU, which he wanted her to go back to). I think I might call him tomorrow and encourage him to support her because she needs everyone behind her right now. I feel so bad sometimes, like I failed her because she has these insecurities when she shouldn't.

Chris also went to go meet Norah today and was supposed to call me when he met her, instead he called when he was in the car and said We Have A Dog! Which I am happy about, and he was so very nice by pointing out my excellent internet find. But, I wish I was there. Getting a puppy was always something that I imagined that we would do together. It makes me sad that he is experiencing it without me. Which just adds to the overall sadness that I feel right now with everything that is going on at work.

Love you, night.