It’s always a special occasion when dear friends come to visit, and this past week brought immense joy as my cherished friend, Candi, from The Devilish Dish, graced us with her delightful presence. We diligently try to carve out time to get together at least once a year, a tradition we hold dear. This year, we were exceptionally fortunate to see each other twice, strengthening our bond and creating even more beautiful memories. And who knows, with the year only a little more than halfway through, there might be another spontaneous reunion on the horizon!

This particular visit was made even more memorable because Candi was able to bring her daughter along. It was truly heartwarming to watch our children get acquainted, laugh, and play together, adding another layer of happiness to our time. Given our bustling schedule and desire to explore local attractions, we found ourselves dining out quite a bit while Candi was here. However, I absolutely insisted on preparing a homemade brunch on Sunday, and that’s when I turned to one of my all-time favorite recipes: a hearty and incredibly delicious Sourdough Sausage Breakfast Casserole. This dish holds a special place in our family history; my Mom and I first created it for my cousin’s bridal shower just a year ago, and it has since cemented its place as a beloved staple, eagerly anticipated by everyone.

What truly distinguishes this breakfast casserole from countless others is its exquisite interplay of flavors and textures, creating a culinary experience that is both comforting and exciting. The distinct, slightly sour tang of the sourdough bread provides an incredible foundation, beautifully complementing the rich, savory, and often spicy notes of the breakfast sausage. This combination is further elevated by the earthy depth of fresh mushrooms, which add a tender, juicy element to each bite. Together, these ingredients harmonize to create a casserole that is hearty, incredibly satisfying, and bursting with character. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique, perfect for making any brunch or breakfast gathering feel extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating your family, this casserole promises to be a memorable centerpiece.

Beyond the Brunch: Thoughtful Gifts and Enduring Friendship

Beyond the shared meals and laughter, Candi and I maintain a delightful tradition of sending “fun mail” back and forth, a practice that consistently brightens our days and keeps our friendship vibrant across the miles. Her visits are always accompanied by a thoughtful, carefully chosen little treat, and this year was no exception to that heartwarming rule. With a flourish, she presented me with a beautifully decorated package, clearly put together with love and attention to detail. Inside, to my absolute delight, I discovered the most darling apron, whimsically adorned with charming cupcake designs! It was incredibly cute and such a perfect reflection of my current profile picture on my Facebook page. This thoughtful gift wasn’t just an item; it was a testament to her keen observation, her generous spirit, and how well she truly knows me. These small, personalized gestures are what make our friendship so rich and meaningful, proving that even simple gifts can carry profound emotional weight.

Sully’s Brave Battle: A Journey from Concern to Joy

In an incredibly touching demonstration of her compassionate heart, Candi also extended her kindness to our beloved pets, particularly during a time of great distress. Many of you who are familiar with our family know that our home is not only filled with the joyous chaos of four children but also with the boundless love of our two “fur babies”: Gabby, our lively Westie, and Sully, our gentle yet energetic boxer. They are more than just pets; they are cherished members of our family, bringing immense comfort and happiness into our lives every single day, with their unique personalities and unconditional affection. Gabby, with her bright eyes and playful spirit, and Sully, with his goofy charm and deep loyalty, have carved out irreplaceable places in our hearts.

Just a couple of weeks before Candi’s visit, our beloved boxer, Sully, had to undergo a serious procedure to remove two concerning masses. The day of his surgery was filled with an agonizing mix of hope and fear. As the veterinary team prepared him for anesthesia, our hearts dropped when Sully experienced a pretty severe seizure. It was a terrifying moment, but the dedicated vets worked quickly to stabilize him, and after that harrowing start, the procedure itself seemed to go as planned. However, Sully’s recovery proved to be far from straightforward. He was incredibly determined to reach his sutures, despite our best efforts, and he managed to rip out the first set of stitches. The vets then replaced them with surgical staples, hoping this would deter him, but his persistence knew no bounds, and he pulled some of those out too, necessitating even more staples. This challenging period involved him wearing “the cone of shame” for a full ten days, a device that, while necessary, visibly dampened his spirits and made us ache for his comfort.

Finally, the staples were removed, bringing a glimmer of hope. But then came the devastating news that truly shook our family to its core: the pathology reports revealed that our sweet, brown boy, Sully, had cancer. I was utterly beside myself, consumed by a profound sense of helplessness and grief. The weight of this diagnosis was heavy, and it honestly overshadowed much of our trip the week prior, as I found myself constantly wishing I was home with him, holding him close. It was against this backdrop of sorrow and uncertainty that Candi arrived, and her gift of a candle with the prayer to St. Rocco, the patron saint of dogs, was an incredibly thoughtful and deeply moving gesture. It offered a tangible symbol of hope and solace during one of the most difficult times we had faced as a family, reminding me that we weren’t alone in our struggle.

Candi’s deep affection for animals, especially dogs, is well-known to anyone who knows her. Yet, Sully has always held a truly special, almost unique place in her heart. This particular bond stems from the fact that Candi herself is the loving owner of a boxer mix named Ruth, and she has always noticed the remarkable similarities in their personalities. From their playful energy to their endearing quirks and unwavering loyalty, Sully and Ruth mirror each other in so many charming ways. It’s this profound understanding and connection that led Candi to affectionately call Sully her “brown boyfriend,” a term of endearment that perfectly encapsulates the special relationship they share.

The day Candi departed, a new chapter of overwhelming relief and joy began for us. It was that very afternoon that I had my follow-up appointment with our veterinarian to discuss Sully’s path forward and potential treatment options. To our immense delight and disbelief, our vet had just consulted with the oncologist, and the news she delivered was nothing short of miraculous. The oncologist confirmed that she had not only successfully removed *both* tumors but had also achieved excellent, clear margins around them. The cancer, in its entirety, was GONE! No further treatment was deemed necessary, and the prognosis was unequivocally positive: Sully was expected to be just fine, healthy and vibrant once again. It was the most incredible, life-affirming news we could have ever hoped for, instantly lifting the heavy burden that had weighed on our hearts.

Our hearts are overflowing with immeasurable gratitude for every single one of my friends and family members. Your thoughtful prayers, messages of support, and unwavering encouragement for our sweet little Sully during his challenging time meant more to us than words can express. Knowing we had such a strong network of caring individuals surrounding us made all the difference. Thank you, from the deepest corners of our hearts, for being there for us and for Sully, and for sharing in our incredible joy at his miraculous recovery!