02/14/2022
Happy Birthday, Byron! Remember when 43 used to sound so old?! Well, you’re making it look pretty damn good! Cheers to another year together. I’m confident it will be better than the last!
While we’ve had some fun moments, admittedly the last year was pretty painful. Your ankle surgery, my unexplained hip pain/it’s dysplasia/let’s replace both hips, Mojo’s lung cancer diagnosis (thank goodness he seems to be pretty happy), + my dad’s rapid decline to Parkinson’s. I’ll be honest, I don’t know how how would have gotten though this without you.
I’ve never felt more helpless than I did post-bilateral hip replacements. But you were so patient, assisting on the multitude of stairs in our home, sherpa-ing ALL my things EVERYWHERE when I was on a walker, then cane, but also adapting things so I could still contribute + feel valuable, like setting me up at the table with a cutting board, knife + a mountain of veggies to chop for meal prep when I couldn’t stand for long periods of time,
I wish my surgery recovery was as quick + straight-forward as yours! The physical setbacks + self-doubt have definitely left me moody, negative + at times a flat out b***h. You didn’t deserve my wrath + I’m not sure I deserved such tolerance, but I do very much appreciate it!
Thank you for being so amazing with our animals. I know you didn’t grow up with dogs but each experience with our baby, Mojo has made you every bit the dog-obsessed, walk across the street to pet a cute pup, nutcase I am! I know the 6-9 month life expectancy, has been inexplicably hard for both of us, but thank you for being on the same page with pushing chemo + anything that might extend Mojo’s comfort + time here with us.
Lastly, thank you for being so supportive amidst this heart-wrenching Papa with Parkinson’s plight. Witnessing the man who raised me waste away physically + mentally is killing me. I love him so much. Thanks for letting me visit him whenever I need to + handling our business + life on the home front like a pro.
I love you !