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December 6, 2024
As some of you know, Lulu and I visit with memory care residents at the local retirement community - The Lodge at Historic Lewes - every other Friday.
During one of our previous visits Lulu and I were sitting at the activity table while the residents worked on a crafts project.
One of the women at the table really took an interest in Lulu and asked that I bring Lulu over so she could pet her and give her a treat.
I pulled up a chair and sat down next to her and Lulu sat in front of her.
She continued working on her craft project in between pats on Lulu's head.
After a few minutes she looked at me and asked, "Do you know my son?"
I said I did not, but I was sure he was a great guy and that I would like to meet him some day.
A few minutes later she asked me "Do you know my son Steve? He has a dog that looks just like Lulu"
I asked her what her son's dog's name was, and she said Maccabi.
Every few minutes she would ask me a variation on the same question, and each time I would do my best to answer her question in a positive and hopeful manner.
One time I told her that I would be on the lookout around town for a guy with a dog that looked like Lulu and that if I spotted one, I would ask him if his name was Steve.
These exchanges went on for the remainder of our visit.
As we left, I told her I would keep an eye out for Steve and Maccabi.
Well today, when Lulu and I arrive for our visit, there is another dog - a German Sheppard - sitting in the lounge area with a couple of people.
I asked the attendant if the dog was another therapy dog and she said no, it was a family dog on a private visit with a relative.
As Lulu and I got up to leave as we were walking down the hall, I heard one of the people sitting with the dog say "Stay, Maccabi, stay".
It took me a moment to process but a few minutes later as we were waiting for the elevator one of the people who had been sitting with the dog walked by heading back to the lounge area.
As he approached, I asked if by any chance his name might be Steve.
It turns out his name was Steve, and he was indeed THAT Steve.
I told him the story about his mom, and we both laughed.
Now, the next time his mother asks me a variation on whether I know her son Steve, I can confidently and truthfully tell her "Yes, I have met your son Steve, and he seems like a very nice person."
