One and a half minute read

Benny and I were inseparable for the six weeks I was in Rochester. Before I tell you a little about that, just a couple of highlights of the drive I outlined in my 17th poem.

He really behaved so well for the three days in the car. Two most memorable moments were when we got to the hotel in Atlanta the first night. It was a Friday night and the hotel lobby and bars were buzzing, we had no idea how he would react, after all he was a rescued dog. He walked in looked around and just took it all in with attitude, (“i’ll have a beer…”) and did not bark! Then after checking in and getting in the elevator to go to our room, the doors closed and he looked at us as if to say, “what’s going on?” When the elevator started moving he looked at us again, the sound of the motor startled him, we gave him the thumbs up, he was fine!

In Rochester I worked my normal work patterns but had ample time to walk him 3-4 times a day exploring our new digs. We found parks, streams and lakes. One of the photos here is of a running stream which was a 10 minute walk from our hotel. It turned out to be our afternoon zen ritual. In the afternoons, we would take a blanket and lie on the grass at St Mary’s hospital across the road and watch the world go by. On weekends we had a great park nearby that had trails, lakes, gardens etc… that was another beautiful memory I have, the riches of nature in MN are too many to list.

Our friend Suzanne asked Kimberly what type of “care package” would be useful to send me. The truth was I really didn’t need anything, so she suggested to send something for Benny. This turned out to be a huge hit, Suzanne sent some toys. It was common to see Benny walking the streets of Rochester with his pig 🐷 or duck 🦆 or gator 🐊, (he is from FL.)

But the best part was when we used to walk back into our hotel, (it was a little suite with Kitchen and living area too.) The lobby had a huge seating area with board games and a large TV. The place was full of Mayo patients like me all in various stages of treatments. Benny spotted those who felt poorly a mile away and would go over to them and lay his head on their laps! It still brings tears to my eyes to recall that and all the many beautiful things Benny represents.