Cal, it's still hard wrapping my head around the fact that you are no longer here to celebrate all of the things life has to offer. It's been almost 1 1/2 years since you've passed away. So many things have happened since that day. We lost Sweetie (our dog) right after Christmas of that same year. Maybe she missed you tormenting her with your "Sweeeeettiiiieeee" - in your sinister voice that always scared her; or maybe she missed you purposely petting her rougly knowing she didn't like that. Either way, after the loss of you, it was another devastating blow to Ann. Two great loves lost within months of each other. With all that had occurred, we decided to take a vacation to Mexico shortly after what would have been your 25th birthday. I think everyone needed a small escape, although there was no escape for the fact that you wouldn't be joining us. It certainly wasn't the same without you, however, I think the trip was as fun as it could have been under the circumstances. I know you would have enjoyed it - feeding the birds french fries causing hundreds to flock around you, making a scene - like you always do when we travel. We had more ups and downs that followed. In the late spring of 2024, we lost another good one - little kitty. He was your favorite cat. He really liked you. He loved it when you would blow in the air really fast and hard. For some reason, the sound of air riled him up and he would immediately start rolloing all over the ground when you did that. He was the one cat that would always offer you comfort by wanting to sit on your lap. It was very sad to see him go. In July, we added yet another companion to our remaining farm of cats (and froggie) - a golden retriever puppy (yes it was Ann's idea). I think she wanted to try to fill a void from all of the recent losses. The jury is still out whether you would have enjoyed this puppy/dog or not. As usual, we picked the most active dog on the planet. While this causes the typical chaos that one finds in our household, she also loves to be outside and walk (I think even more than food). So in that regard, I think you would have loved her. Another event that I wish you could have seen was Ann being accepted into the nursing program at Normandale - such a proud moment for everyone. You should see her study - much more than she ever has done in the past. I think you played at least a small part in her decision to become a nurse. While adjusting to the new puppy over the summer and fall, we took yet another blow when grandpa passed away in October of 2024. As you knew, he wasn't doing well for such a long time, so it wasn't a huge surprise. Nonetheless, is anyone ever ready to see an important member of the family pass? Everyone said he was suffering and maybe it was better this way. When I hear that, I immediately think of you, and the years you struggled with chronic pain. Many have said that exact same statement about you, and me being selfish, I completely disagree. I would rather you be here with us than what has been the alternative. Thinking back on all of this, I wonder how and what you would be doing if you were still here today. I think you would like this current winter - lots of cold weather, perfect for ice fishing. I think you would be out on the ice a lot, catching your limit of walleye. Of course, I would be grumbling later that night when I had to clean them all. For whatever reason, no matter what the limit was, you always seemed to have brought home a few more than you were supposed to. I'm sure you would still be hard at work, trying to pay for your belongings. I'm trying to take care of your car as best I can, albeit I'm sure you would think I'm doing a terrible job. Is there anyone else out there that keeps their car in as good of shape as you did? I think not (BTW - no, I don't have towels over the floormats keeping them in pristine condition, but I do clean it as much as I can). Also, I'm pretty sure nobody has cleaned the garage since you last did, and if you were still here, I'm sure you would have something to say about that too. We still have your jetski. Last year we only took it out about twice, so I'm not sure the value nor joy it brings, other than the fact it was yours, and it reminds us of you. You were so proud of owning all of your things. You worked very hard for all of it. Your room still looks as it did when you were alive. We have only opened the door but a handful of times since you've passed away. Mom struggles tremendously each day. She is at a complete loss without you around. She's told me several times that she always thought she would spend more time with you when you were older. That's the sad thing about life; you simply don't know how much time anyone has left to live. Occasionally I hear from one of your old friends on social media, or a tip of the cap when I post my memories of you. It's always nice to hear from them as I know you're still in their hearts as well. I honestly don't think you understood how many lives you touched. You were such a blessing to so many. To sum things up, everyone sure misses you a lot around here. It's just not the same without your funny remarks, your dry sense of humor, and your companionship. I used to know when you were up each morning when I heard the upstairs floors creaking when you walked around. I do miss that sound. I think of what we all would do to still have you here with us. It's the worst feeling in the world knowing that, as much as we all would, there is absolutely nothing anyone can do to change what has happened. You visit my dreams occasionally. I always feel comforted when it happens. Maybe someday I'll understand what this life is all about so that I can finally put all of the pieces together and know why you had to leave us so early. While I do wish things could have turned out differently, and that we could all watch you blowing out 26 candles for your special day, all I can do is wish you a happy birthday in this long-winded message. Happy 26th birthday Cal. We'll blow the candles out for you.Take care Cal. Miss/Love you forever.-Mom, Dad, and Ann