I always said I wanted to reach a point where I'd smile when I thought of my friend instead of breaking down. It's probably too early to say if I'm fully there yet, but after getting those pictures, meeting his partners, petting his tail for way too long, it really feels like that place is in sight.

Last week was emotional, but not upsetting. I cried a lot, but I wasn't sad. It honestly feels like a weight has been lifted off my chest after more than two years.

Thinking back on it feels like remembering a dream I had. I don't know if it's because it's something I literally dreamt about for so long that I never thought would actually happen, so that's the only way my brain can process it, or if that's just what closure feels like?

I still miss you, friend. I always will.
Thank you for everything you gave me. We’ll find our way back to each other again someday, I’m sure of it.

I hope to have a bit more to share later, but for now… happy birthday, stoat.

Does that meaning change if that person is no longer with us?

I don’t think it does, I think if anything it keeps that connection, that bond, strong. It keeps that person closer than ever.

Only in recent years did I start thinking about what a collar really means for a dog. It’s identity. It’s safety. It’s a sign that they belong, that they’re loved and cared for. It’s a way home, a way to find their way back to the person who gave it to them, no matter how lost they get.

Open bar and buffet, I got my moneys worth 😂

I did, it was cool catching up with folks!

And you know what? Fuck Past Me while we are at it. That guy is always leaving all his bullshit for me.

Without it sounding like a brag, of course

Beautiful but painfully relatable track. Hope I can get to see them perform again next year

And I don’t even mean like brushing against it while taking a photo. People will just lean on the van like it’s a wall while playing with their phone