I’ve always been a big fan of the Peanuts and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown has been woven into our family traditions for Halloween, which is by far, the most significant holiday at Casa Lurie. My connection is to Linus, with his blanket and deep philosophical thoughts, while Jeannessa, for a million reasons, was our Lucy, and she fully embraced it. One reason is obvious, as shown in the picture here. I can’t say how many times I said to Jeannessa, “Make the Lucy witch face!” And she would happily oblige and we would laugh and laugh! I’m so relieved I have multiple pictures of the Lucy face.
A few years ago, I decided I wanted to get Jeannessa her perfect shirt for the pumpkin patch (one of my favorite annual traditions!): Lucy in the witch costume with her ironic quote from the show, “A person should always choose a costume which is in direct contrast to her own personality.” Unfortunately, a deep dive down the internet came up fruitless and I had to let it go. Well, now I have a Cricut machine and I was able to make it myself!
I wore it, complete with a button depicting Jeannessa’s Lucy face, this past Sunday, October 25 at Howl-O-Ween in downtown Willow Glen, sponsored by Holly Barr and Willow Glen Pet Hospital. Prepping for the event, I could truly feel Jeannessa’s energy filling the room, her excitement for what was to come. She would have loved everything about this event: the t-shirt, putting together treat bags for dogs (we passed out 141 and ran out!), the autumn air, the costumes, and mostly the pets! While we were at our table, I could hear her “pet voice” (if you knew her, you know exactly what I am talking about!) and see her crouched on the ground petting every furball she could.
These are the precious moments that keep me going. Carrying on Jeannessa’s work keeps her near and makes the grief bearable. Halloween and Dia De Muertos bring the thinning of the veil and I will do whatever it takes to welcome her energy home.
Our next fundraising event is Thursday, November 12 at Starbird Campbell. Bring this flyer in with you for in-house orders (showing your phone is fine) or use the code GIVEBACK when ordering online. Our fundraiser is available on orders all day, but if you’d like to join us, we’ll be there around 6:30. As always, making it fun in Jeannessa’s honor is our goal!
In the meantime, Happy Howl-O-Ween!
