Boo Bear,

Today was your birthday. Today, I marked your grave. I wasn't given a chance to do anything more than set the stones before the mosquito's got to me, and for that I am sorry. I'd wanted to spend a few moments at least, but apparently, it wasn't to be.

It's thundering and lightning right now. A storm to end the day. This has been a big day in my mind for quite some time. I've had this day set as some sort of mile stone in my head, for whatever reason. It felt like such an achievement to have you reach seventeen. I was so proud of us and so proud of you. I had big plans to buy you this pair of four legged pajamas in preparation for the winter. Your poor little back end got so cold due to your arthritis and your thining hair. I guess you had other plans though.

Today was still a mile stone, though a far different mile stone than I had originally anticipated. Today was the first time I've visited your grave since I laid you in it. It wasn't easy, but it had to be done. I refused to let your birthday, the huge mile stone that I envisioned it to be, pass without some sort of significance. I was the only one that remembered it, but that doesn't matter. It was always you and me, there was no need for others.

It's still so surreal to not have you here. I'm coping as best I can. But I miss you. I probably always will. It's far too quiet, too lonely around here. But I'm getting by.

I love you, Boo Bear. You mean the world to me. Happy 17th birthday. What a day, huh?