My Isaiah Joseph,

Daddy and I worked on the garage a lot today. Remember how it flooded as soon as our things arrived from the movers? Well, we found some stuff today that had mold on it. Most of it I really didn’t care about, some board games, blankets, sheets, shoes, dad’s pull-up bar, and some other things. However, I came across one of the containers that held artwork from you guys, pictures, and even yearbooks that got knocked over and half of it was ruined.

I cried, but when do I not? I know it’s just “stuff”, but that “stuff” from you meant so much now. I can’t replace that. I can’t go back and there won’t be anything new ever added to that collection. I understand these things aren’t my memories of you and they weren’t at all who you were, it just hurts. We’ve managed to keep everything together and in one piece for five moves and across an ocean twice, but less than a month into this house just ruined it.

Bella misses Apollo, I can tell. I so bad just want to go and rescue another dog so she has a friend and I can end this uncomfortable feeling, but that’s not the right thing to do. We are taking this time with one dog to try and take her on more walks, since I could never walk Bella and Apollo together due to their horrible leash behavior. She came with us last night to the fireworks. Most dogs are terrified of fireworks, but I thought we could give it a try since thunder never seems to phase Bella. She didn’t flinch last night and enjoyed her outing.

I hope you and Apollo have had lots of cuddles. We miss him a ton here, but feel better knowing you two are now back together.

I was on the receiving end of an act of kindness the day we had to put Apollo down that just made me so thankful. My neighbor had gone ahead and cut my grass for me after he had cut his. He didn’t know about Apollo or the fact that our lawnmower doesn’t currently work, he was just being