I remember it like it was yesterday.  Taking my four year old to the pet store to pick out her very first hamster.  She carefully scrutinized the tank, looking at each and every Teddy Bear hamster before making her decision.  And then, a tiny golden head came out from under the shavings - and a bond was born between the two that would not be broken.  That is, until today. 

Fluffy, also known as Fluffer Nutter, died in his sleep last night.  Amazingly, Fluffy lived two years past his life expectancy.  At four years old, he was a very VERY old hamster.  Towards the end, a tumor had begun to form under Fluffy’s stomach.  I knew that if he didn’t go quickly, we would have to put him to sleep.  For the last week, we hand fed him several times a day - grapes - his favorite.  Then he would munch on his seeds in a spot that became his permanent - and final - hangout. 

My daughter and I had to have “the talk” on Sunday.  If Fluffy didn’t pass to Rainbow Bridge by this weekend, we would have to have him put to sleep.  He was very comfortable at the time, but the tumor was growing quickly and I explained that we didn’t want him to suffer.   She thought about this a lot as she lovingly fed him.  We even said prayers to St. Francis to take Mr. Fluffer Nutter to Rainbow Bridge soon. 

Last night I could tell it was time.  I snuck into her room with some Holy Water and put a little cross on him.  I can’t help it - it’s just what us Catholic’s do!  Then sure enough, this morning I found he had crossed to Rainbow Bridge. 

My daughter took it well.  She was prepared.  Sad, but prepared.  Looking back at this past week, I am amazed at what she learned.  She learned about life.  She learned about caring for the sick. She learned about compassion, and finally, she learned about death.  My little girl didn’t fall apart.  She was strong and stoic.  She did what she had to do, and knew what her decision would be, had he not passed on his own. 

Aren’t you amazed every day at what your child can do?  They are small and dependent upon us, yet at the most unexpected times they show their absolute strength and resilience.  My children are my rock. And as I cry while I write this, I realize that sometimes, my little girl is even stronger than me!

I’m not happy unless I’m outside in the sunshine, with my kids trailing behind.  Now we have an even better reason to take a break from housecleaning and get some fresh air - doctor’s orders! 

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends children get 400 units of vitamin D daily.   That is 200 more units than previously recommended in 2003. 

If you have four-glass-a-day milk drinkers, then your kids are probably getting the new dosage.  But most children today are not approaching the 400 unit mark. 

How does this relate to sunshine?   When sun touches the skin, the body actually creates vitamin D.  If you stay in the sunshine for 10 to 15 minutes a day without sunscreen, you will probably be getting enough Vitamin D to reach the new 400 unit mark. 

This is natural, healthy and even better - free!  So I say to the Academy, “let the sunshine!”  C’mon kids, let’s go outside!