Molly's Garden, A BIG Thanks and Memorial Day Weekend

by Skip Cohen

​It's the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, and I apologize for the lack of focus in today's post. It's a collection of thoughts, each a ways away from my typical shares on business and marketing. 

Recently good friends, Sheila and Joe Elario, lost their beloved dog, Ella. They've shared their grief on Facebook, which is one of the great things about social media. Reading everybody's comments, there isn't anyone who's ever lost a pet who can't identify with their pain and sadness. In fact, all of you helped me with your thoughts when I lost Molly the Wonder Dog in 2019.

At the time I was going through the pain, my roommate from college told me what they'd done each time over the years when they lost a pet - they planted a tree along with the pet's ashes. We didn't have room for a tree, but after two years of Molly's ashes sitting on a shelf in my office, I decided it was time to create something more lasting.

Roses are hard to grow in Florida, but I've always loved them. So, I created Molly's Garden. Mixing her ashes with the soil, I planted three rose bushes in the front of the house. And yesterday, as if cued in time for my birthday, the first one bloomed. So, Molly's first rose is the perfect reminder of a pup that was by my side every day for thirteen years!

And speaking of my birthday - thank you so much for all the good wishes on Facebook, LinkedIn, in emails, and phone calls. I'm not sure if my birthday fund-raiser was set up the right way, but here's another thank you for helping me make the goal. It's got a few days left yet, and if I exceed the goal for my selected non-profit, the Senior Friendship Centers, it'll be even better.

Last but not least, I know a lot of you are going to start the weekend celebration early. Wishing you all a terrific holiday weekend. Be safe, careful and stay healthy!  And again, thank you for all your support, feedback, and encouragement. We really do get by with a lot of help from our friends!