End of an Era

It's been just over a week now since Bailey passed along to go catch up with her friends Festus, Kody, and Casey, and so many others.  She had an almost 16-year run, and made every bit of every day.  That said, at the time of her passing, she seemed comfortable, and at peace.

This has been Harry's first real experience losing a loved one.  We lost his good pal, and neighbor, Dan a few years back, but this is the first one that's really hit home. 

As expected, Harry continues to be an incredibly compassionate boy, who is deeply thoughtful and reflective.  As with most relationships of his that have changed (albeit all others from folks moving away), one of his deepest concerns is forgetting about those who have gone.  He doesn't want to forget anyone or anything.

So he now has a great photo of Bailey on his wall, when she was only about 4 or 5, head popping up out of the underbrush, while chasing who-knows-what, at my childhood home.  Truly in her prime, and how we will all remember her. 

best big brother ever

4th grade started this week.  Kindergarten for Miss A started too.  As excited as she's been to get herself going, he's been even more excited to get her going.  This is the first of likely the only 2 years ever, that they'll be in the same building for school.  He's making the most of it. 

He's such a great big brother. 

Making sure she's been ok at the bus stop, getting a seat on the bus in the morning (credit to Ms Woods for making sure she gets a wave before pulling away), getting to her classroom, and even handling after-school REC with great aplomb. 

Even after school, when recounting her day, he's there to make sure she got everything right (almost like he's shadowing her all day)

As Kim likes to point out, they're Tom & Jerry lately.  One second the best of friends, the next they're at each others' throats.  He continues to grow more and more every day into a wonderful young man.  we're so proud of him, everything he's accomplished, and everything he's looking forward to doing.