Last night I learned that there are bigger things to cry about than my poopy diaper…we had to say goodbye to my big brother, Drake. Mom cried and cried and cried and so I joined in too. It seemed the only thing to do. Drakey was furry and friendly, with a spirit as strong as his big ol’ tail. He was gentle (except when you wiggled a pancake in front of his nose), he had such a kind soul, and he was faithful beyond measure. He loved unconditionally and was always happy to see everyone, especially my dad… those two were best buddies.

I got to pet Drakey one last time before we buried him and I heard him whisper that it’s my turn to be dad’s best buddy. No one will ever replace my big brother, but I’m going to try my bestest to be that buddy for my dad so I can make Drakey proud and he can sleep peacefully in our backyard. And then someday when my dad says I’m his new best buddy, I can stand over Drake’s memorial site and acknowledge that everything I learned about loyalty, strength and unconditional love, I learned from him. He will always be my first teacher, and always my big brother. Rest in peace, Drakey. You lived a good, long life, but still died too soon.

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Drakey Pancakey Goodenough
November 3, 2000 – May 14, 2014
Preceded in death by Bennie
Eternally grateful to his grandparents, Duane & Cheri….  “Thank you for taking such good care of me and opening your home to me. I will miss those breakfasts…”

I went to college today! Making friends was so easy. Everyone was quite happy to see me and easily impressed. When I yawned, they thought I was cute. When I sneezed, they said “adorable.” When I snored, I got all sorts of giggles. When I made stinkers in my pants, they… well, they gave me back to my mom. But mostly, they loved me. College is fun!

Last night I had my first bath…I liked it so much, I cried when it was over. In fact, I tried to get a return trip to the bathtub, but mom and dad were too quick with the diaper. Next time I will have to devise a sneakier plan to sabotage Mission Squeaky Clean. Stay tuned…

Look what mom and dad bought me today… a new pet! I’ve wanted a giraffe ever since I was born. I tried to smile to show my gratitude, but a frowny-face came out instead. (I hate when that happens.) Sometimes I get those mixed up, but cut me some slack… I’m still new around here. Anyway, Mr. Giraffe is so mild-mannered and stoic. He’s even potty-trained already! Wow. I will be someday too, but not today. Because it’s just way too funny to pee on mom and dad when they change my diaper sometimes… you should hear mom scream! Hilarious.

Man, I’m really nailing this whole sleeping thing!

Last weekend we went to visit Great Grandma Goodenough in the hospital. She smiled when she saw me… I seem to have that effect on people! Unfortunately, she passed away a few days ago and today we attended her funeral. I put a white rose in her casket so she knows that I loved her. I know I’m going to hear stories about her for years to come… stories of cheese popcorn, pork chops, casino runs, blonde brownies, camping, cheering for the underdog, fishing contests, 48 hours, Judge Judy, cats, Euchre, and more. I can tell she was pretty incredible by how deeply she was loved. It’s funny how you can miss someone that you’ve only just met, but I trust that I will see her in those around me. And I hope that, somehow, she sees me too.

Today my lovely parents took me on my first 4-wheeler ride. It was so much fun that I decided to sleep throughout the entire ride… what a blast! It’s sort of like riding in the car, but much windier. And bumpier. Yet, more peaceful And nature-y. And really, not so much like riding in the car after all. At any rate, I think I’m going to like hanging out with mom and dad. I can’t wait to sleep through the next big adventure they take me on!