For Andrew, On His 9th Birthday

The last few months have been heartbreaking and torturous. We have lost our best friend and soulmate. You have endured a major surgery during a time of mourning; one which would have taken any of lesser strength and resolve. You have been my faithful and loving companion, through this and nine years. As has been said, with the making of you, "the miracle was complete."

And so what more can I say to you? What more could show you how much I love you? What else could display how much you mean to me?
I do not have the words. But they have been written:

"Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

Happy Birthday my dear boy. May there be many, many more.