Happy birthday, Mr. Bartles

Today is Mr. Bartles' birthday. He would've turned 14. Instead he is forever 13 and lives in my heart.

I miss him. A bit too much, a bit too often and a little more every day.

I almost rambled on a sad note about how much regret I still have and how I still feel bad for those nights when I got frustrated. But I erased all that because today should be a day to celebrate.

Today isn't the actual day Bartles' was born. No one knew his real birthday. And so the day he was rescued became his birthday. 

I asked Yangkyu if he thinks Bartles was having a birthday party with all his friends across the rainbow bridge. He said, of course. They have so many good things to eat. 

I wondered if Bartles will get to have any. He was such a good boy that he always shared. What if he kept sharing and there was none left for him? 

"That's Bartles..", Yangkyu said. 

That is our Bartles. Always a big heart. 

Happy birthday, sweet pea. Happy birthday.