Delayed Grief

Oh Milo…

Today is five years without you. So much has changed, and yet so much still feels the same.

I miss the way you’d rest your face on the bed, creepily staring at me, willing me to wake up. I miss your loyalty, your protectiveness, and that stubborn streak that made you you. I miss our hikes through Romero Canyon and the Summerland foothills. I miss our beach walks where you’d chase the birds you never caught but always believed you could. I miss watching you charge at coyotes like a tough guy, only to return an hour later covered in slobber from playing with them. I miss your mischief, your spirit, and those beautiful topaz eyes.

You were the best dog a girl could ever hope for. For five years your ashes have been by my bedside, but today I set you free in one of our favorite places. A place where you can run fast, chase birds, and where I can always visit you. It wasn’t easy to let you go, but I finally did, and I think that delayed grief has lifted.

May you run wild, chase birds you’ll never catch, and cause just enough trouble to keep things interesting. I will miss you, always. 💙