Happy 6th Birthday Bagel The God, 9.12.18

I’ve never done this before, but I believe whatever energy you put out into the universe, it’ll be translated into lines of communication somehow, somewhere along this timeline we’re all a part of. Here it goes.

You existed before I knew about you. I knew about you before you knew I existed. It was my first place on my own, matter of fact it was the townhouses at University Club, before they changed it to 49 North. My roommates met our neighbors who were 4 girls that lived next door. On the opposite side, next door to them, was a townhouse of 4 guys. Damn near every night for the first few weeks after move-in, we all would hang out. Everyone would be drinking with the exception of me of course, and Spence who was—and still is—the only guy I’ve ever known to not drink nor smoke like myself. Although I didn’t partake in drinking games like the circle of death, I was there to keep company. Being around people was important to me at the time. The summer of 2012 changed me in ways I’m not sure I can explain. In a bad way? In a good way? I’m still figuring that out for myself. One thing I’m sure of, is that my life changed for the better that fall. That’s when we met.

I fell in love with you through a Craigslist ad. I wish I would’ve saved the photos, but those images have stuck with me through the years. Brown eyes, black eye-brows, big floppy brown pizza ears…I could go on and on. There was one photo of you standing on your hind legs looking out into the world you were introduced to 8 weeks prior. I called the guy and asked about you. His name was Mr. Vernon. I asked a few questions over the phone. I asked how big you would be, how would you adjust to me going to class, etc. Mr. Vernon was patient with me and assured me of everything I was worried about in an honest manner. He also told me there were 2 people on their way to pick up you or your siblings and that I should come meet you as soon as possible. I asked if you would be there when I got there and he said he couldn’t make any guarantees. I didn’t have any cash on me, but Ben looked out for me. I told him I’d pay him back on Monday when the banks were open. It was a Saturday evening. We drove an hour to meet you.

When I got there, you were still there. Just you and your parents. Mr. Vernon let you out of the outdoor kennel where there were heat lamps, and you ran around in figure 8’s. I was smitten from that point on. You ran around so fast you were blurring black and brown against the grass. It reminded me of a burnt bagels. That’s when our journey together began.

I remember talking to Ben about you after our first few nights together. There was an aura you brought to my life, a presence that felt divine. I tried writing about it, but no string of words seemed accurate to the feelings you brought me. I tried talking to myself, but all it led to was rambling. I tried thinking to no avail, but that’s something you’ve taught me over the years. Don’t think too much about things, rather live in the moment and enjoy life. One morning while you were napping, I was watching you intently. You were so small, yet so full of life. Then it came to me; you’re a god, Bagel the God.

Amongst all the things you’ve taught me, you’ve taught me the power of forgiveness and the power of patience. I am forever in debt to you. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your smiles. Thank you for allowing me to brush your teeth Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays even though you probably don’t know what the hell is going on. Thank you for being my best friend. Thank you for you. You look to me for guidance, yet you have the wisdom. Your love is unconditional. I’d happily give you my last meal if it came down to it. You brighten up my thoughts when my mind’s clouded. This year we faced your fears of water at Lake Norman. I called for you to come in and at one point you came running in swimming to me. We came a long way since the days you wouldn’t go out because it was drizzling, the University Clbu days. Our bond keeps growing and growing, and that’s something I’m looking forward to the most this year. Growing together.

Bagel, I’ll love you forever, 5ever, 6ever.

Happy 6th birthday my son.

Check out impressions from Bagel’s 6th birthday below. Use the arrow keys to navigate between the photos!