January 11, 2012

A Fiesta Island "Tribute to Abby" Day

If you'd told me I'd go back to Fiesta Island the day after losing our girl, I'd have said you were crazy. But that's what I did today. And I'm so glad I went.

You might remember that one week ago, I posted that we planned to meet up with some Tripawds folks, including the famous Tripawd's Spokesdog Wyatt and the feared-across-three-states (or is it more?) Bernie bin Laden. Even though none of those folks live in San Diego, they still wanted to drive down today to have a Tribute to Abby day at Abby's favorite place, Fiesta Island. They said they would totally understand if I didn't go, but I knew that Abby would want me to. If I didn't go, she would say, "Are you kidding? Miss a day at THE BEACH?" She would have said, "You're nutty, Mama. Go!" So I went.

It was really hard at first - especially turning onto the island without Abby in the backseat. She would always get so excited as soon as we got off the freeway. While we drove around the island, she'd stand in the backseat and hang her head out the window. She could barely contain herself until we'd park and I'd let her out.

But it got better once I got there and met everyone - especially the crazy pups! I took over 100 photos and had a hard time winnowing them down for this post, but here goes:
This is Wyatt Ray - how handsome is he??
This wily ball of craziness is, of course, Bernie bin Laden
...he does sometimes stand still.
This is the aptly named Linda, Bernie's sister
Um, this is also Linda
She can hold her own with the boys.
The boys started a tug-o-war that went on...
...and on...
...and on...


And then Wyatt went for his first ever swim!!

Oh,...and then back on...
...and on...
...and on...

...until talk of burgers broke up the war.

Don't worry - the dogs all got theirs too. (Ab would have LOVED this part...)
And no limbs were lost...
...or even fingers.
Tribute to Abby day was a huge success!

When I came home this afternoon, I downloaded the pictures from today. Then I got side-tracked looking through some of the last photos I took of Abby. All of a sudden, I looked up and saw this:
That is Abby's color! Tripawd-Warrior-Princess-pink. I'm pretty sure she wanted to let us know that she got there okay, and that she is painting the town pink! I'm hoping she met the Original Tripawd, Spirit Jerry, there shortly after arrival. We made a felted wool version of him for his pawrents.

Jerry and Abby would make a cute couple.


I'm sure she is flirting with all the boys up there.

As first days go without a beloved furry family member, it was actually pretty darn good. I laughed more than I cried - and who would have thought that? Certainly not me.

Thank you to everyone! All our family & friends & all the folks at Tripawds for the love and support. It really does mean a lot to know so many other people loved her too and were touched by her.

13 comments:

  1. Oh Jackie, I am so happy that things turned out this way for you today. Can you imagine if this had not been set up and you had to go through this first day all alone? As hard as it was, as bittersweet as it had to have been, you were exactly where you belonged. You were surrounded by people who loved Abby as much as anyone who isn't you could! And she sent you her first penny with that sunset. There will be many more, I'm sure. I'm so glad you went.

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  2. Awww. I'm so glad you got to be around our tripawd family that loved her too! Today was Abby Day here too! (we even went to In N Out tonight!)
    As hard as it was to go to Fiesta Island, I know how special the day was! Jim, Rene and Lisa were there for me in my time of need too! So, I know first hand. And to have John and Diane, I know that means a lot! They, too are special people! What a specatacular day!

    The felted Jerry is beautiful! I have no doubt that Abby is "loving up" the boys!

    Ge'Lena and MB Rocket

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  3. Jackie, Abby is so proud of you. Today was most definitely a huge celebration of her life, doing what she would have loved, in the place she loved the most. You really are to be commended for being brave enough to meet up with us, we can't thank you enough. But most of all, Abby thanks you, for being the Mamma she loved so much, for taking her lead and just getting out to have fun in her honor.

    We will treasure our mini-Jerry forever, you really touched our heart with that. Thank you so, so much.

    The pics really are terrific, thank you!

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  4. I'm so glad that you went to Fiesta Island and enjoyed your day! I love the pictures, looks like everyone had fun (which is exactly how Abby would want it!) It helps so much to be around people who understand....

    Lisa and Ranger

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  5. Aww, Jackie, it looks like the perfect tribute to your special girl. I am so glad you went. Those Tripawd people are a special breed of people :-) It looks like you had a good day, and I love the last picture- the amazing sunset- Abby is proud of you.

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  6. Good for you Jackie! What a great day to celebrate Abby's life with some incredible folks and dogs! Love the photo's..

    Tracy, Maggie's Mom

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  7. what a perfect celebration!! thanks for sharing the pictures, and thanks ever so much for sharing abby with all of us!!!

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  8. It looks like a lovely time was had by all. Abby would have, indeed, loved it. And I loved the burger shots--so cute.

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  9. Jackie,
    Abby would have been so proud of her momma!!! I'm glad you went to Fiesta Island to have a "Tribute to Abby"...she would have LOVED the burger. What a wonderful and beautiful penny that Abby sent...almost as beautiful as your Tripawd Warrior Princess girl!
    Hugs and chocolate labby kisses,
    Ellen & Charley

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  10. Abby will be always in my heart, her journey and adventures make me feel better cuz i am in the same as u were with her.
    I will always remember this blog and her with a lot of happiness
    Those we love stay with us forever, no matter we can't saw them anymore in mortal life, someday we will find them again at the other side of the rainbow.

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  11. Abby was a true and totally fierce warrior princess...but so is her totally awesome Mom!!

    Jackie, this is truly inspirational!

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  12. I'd bet Abby was glad you went, too. That warrior princess will always hold a special place in my heart. She helped us through the start of Butchey's tripawd journey. Her inspawrational courage and enthusiasm for life will live on in our hearts.

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