Sunday November 29th. is the tenth birthday of our good friend Finn who visits us frequently in the summers because he loves chess games on the porch, Texas hold ’em high stakes games, trivia with Alexa, racing cars on my iPad while we watch tennis on TV, our barking dogs, me, his Auntie T (also known here as Pretty) and our swimming pool. Probably in reverse order.

chess requires deep concentration

Pretty and I have known Finn since the day he was born – his parents Dave and Saskia were close friends for several years before his birth. In Pretty’s previous life as a realtor she helped them find their home when they moved to Columbia to teach at the University of South Carolina. 

Pretty holding one year old Finn

blowing bubbles at his fifth birthday party in 2015

Three months after this fun party, Pretty and I lost one of our most beloved dogs, Red, who was our rescued Welsh Terrier. Red was with us from the beginning of our life together in 2001 so the loss was beyond painful for us both. Several days after his death, five year old Finn sent this note.

His mother explained that when they told Finn about our loss, he made the card. 

“He drew Red and you crying, but he also added a few smiley faces ‘to cheer you up and to make you feel better.’ “

The card was a keeper, but much more than that. I can truthfully say Finn has cheered his Auntie T and me countless times over the years. We love him dearly and wish him a Happy Birthday on this day he adds another digit from 9 to 10!

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Stay safe, stay sane and please stay tuned.