Another birthday - another year

Dear Narf,
Has it really been over a year? In one way, it seems so raw, so fresh. In other ways, I struggle to recall details of our lives--nuances known only to you and I. You would always tease me when I had a birthday & tell me I was getting old. My retort was that "you'll always be older than I am" isn't true anymore, is it?
So many new things to share with you--have you seen them happening? I finally had my surgery in August that the doctor said I should have last year; the statue of the birdbath that I had bought for your grave the month after you died was stolen from the cemetery sometime after my surgery when I couldn't come to visit you; Katie passed her driver's test the first time out & got her license a year later than her friends; Jonathan moved out for a while this summer--a "bachelor pad" with Tim & Shawn, but he is back home, trying to save some money and has applied to Purdue again after two years spent at V. U. His new band is supposed to go "on tour" in December when the other members are out on Christmas break also. I am thinking of trading in the Odyssey for something smaller; I know it was the car you wanted us to have, but our lives have changed so much - I just don't need it, Narf - it is too big in the garage. Since both kids drive and don't need "Mom's Taxi", 90% of the time I am driving that big van by myself. We were going to take it on vacations or camping; use it for the Doghouse concessions--(remember all those nights after work or Sundays we spent at Sam's Club and loaded up [sometimes] two cars with candy, water, nacho cheese and popcorn? I think the Band Parents have almost everything delivered now - I'm not sure, since between last year with your illness, and this year with my surgery, I have been unable to help out.) Katie & I took the van on a short 3 day "vacation" to Michigan; I don't think we would take some long road trip to Mount Rushmore, as you and I had planned. It's just not the same.
I am waiting on the computer layout from the monument company for the stone. There were so many things to consider - so many things I want on our stone--your monument. You know how I am when confronted with too many choices. You would always say "just pick one!" Well, I hope you like the design, color, shape, etc. of the monument. We are hoping to have it set before winter. Before another cold winter without you.
Happy Eternal 52, Narf. I love you and miss you.
Narfie