This week marked another birthday without Karlie. Every year we would celebrate our birthdays together since they are just 5 days apart. Despite her being gone for over 3 years I still get melancholy in July as our birthdays approach. It’s just another reminder that things have changed and she is not here. Despite my love and enjoyment of Sunny, I miss Karlie every day, but especially in the middle of July.
This year I celebrated both my birthday and hers by spending time with Sunny hiking. On my birthday we ventured back to Bicentennial Woods which is one of our favorite local places to hike. Although Karlie never visited Bicentennial Woods she would have loved it. Sunny and I visit often as it’s close to home and a wonderful spot to hike.
Since Karlie’s birthday was a rainy, cool day we waited a few days until it was nicer for our celebratory hike. Sunny and I ventured to a new spot – River Greenway in Fort Wayne. This is an asphalt trail used by a lot of runners and bikers. Although Karlie preferred dirt trails I chose this one because of all the rain we had the past few days. I still think Karlie would have enjoyed this trail as it follows the Maumee River with at least one spot where you can get down to the river. Karlie would have loved getting her toes wet.
Sunny and I had a great time exploring a new spot and being out in the woods. I thought a lot about Karlie and all our adventures as we hiked while Sunny sniffed all the smells. After returning home we lounged in our backyard, which is something that Anna, Karlie, and I did a lot when we lived in Texas and California. And then I gave Sunny a special treat. It was a good day and a happy day. We celebrated Karlie, remembered all the good times, and created new memories.
As time goes on I don’t miss Karlie less. I just have learned to live with her in a different way. I live with all the wonderful memories we made while making new memories with Sunny. Karlie’s spirit is with us on every adventure because without her there would not be any adventures. I am so lucky to have spent 14+ years as her best friend and to carry on our traditions and adventures with Sunny the past 3+ years.
Happy birthday, sweet little Bug. I love you and I miss you. I hope you and Anna are chasing tennis balls and dipping your toes in the water.