Happy Birthday Buddy!

Buddy,

Today is your birthday. I can't remember how old you are. I can't remember the date the day that you died. But I can remember September 12th. That's more fun to remember anyway. Maybe it's because you, Uncle Thom, and I are all Virgos. Maybe it's because the apple pie was always followed by a coconut one. Not many know what I'm talking about, but you do. Don't you?

It's been a hard month Buddy. You know that our family has suffered a loss. I know you and Grandma have been worried about Aunt Connie. She's tough, Buddy, but you need to take care of Uncle Cliff for us. I'm sure that's not a problem, you always loved him. I bet that you are overjoyed to have someone there with you to tell your funny stories to aren't you? I know you know, but mama and I shared many of those stories just the other night at the dinner table. We laughed, we cried, and I made her tell them just like you would so that one day when I'm telling stories about you telling stories the girls will know what the heck I am talking about. We told them the story about Toby spelling "C-o-o-k-i-e-s" and the one about you tying the three pontoons together down at Eagle Rock.

I miss you so much. I miss Grandma too, but for some reason most of all I miss you. I think it's because I never really got to say goodbye. I think about you both and talk about you all the time. Not a day goes by. You're probably up there laughing at me and how much I am like you. I even remind myself of you sometimes - pacing back and forth, can't sit still to save my life, trying to make people smile by making up funny stories to tell the waitress or freaking people out by calling them by name (someday they'll figure out that they're wearing a nametag don't you think?).

I hope I'm meeting your expectations. I'm working hard. We have a beautiful family and I wish so much every day that you were here to meet Chloe and see how Wrena has grown. They're such smart and beautiful little girls. Tell Grandma I am trying to teach them everything she taught me about helping others, working hard, and loving the holidays, celebrating family traditions. Of course I know you know all of this because you're right here wondering why I'm typing on this silly computer (you never understood the need for one) to you when all I have to do is think it and you'll know.

Anyway, I'm thinking about you pretty hard today. Missing the sound of your voice, your short stubby hands, the criss-cross of the back of your neck, and the feel of your whiskers when we hugged. I just wanted to say I love you. Happy Birthday.

Love,
Little Buddy