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Date of Birth: March 16, 2004
Date of Passing: July 28, 2021
On June 14, 2014, at a pet store in Poughkeepsie, NY, Julian found you. Per the receipt, you were originally named, “Honeydew.” We can’t even imagine you like that name. You are hilariously a “Simon.” Officially named Simon McFly Bell born on 22nd of March 2004, you were our Simon, our “monkey,” our “handsome bear,” “buddy,” and so much more.
From that pet store in New York, you have lived in Queens and rode the subway, had terrible allergies in Raleigh, loved the mountains in Vermont and Lake Champlain, and to the parks and beaches in Wilmington. You made friends everywhere you went. Partially because no one was a stranger to you, and you were going to meet them whether they wanted to or not. There were specials parts about each place you lived. Dad even wrote a song about your VIF, that’s Very Important Frog, while you two lived in Queens. VIF lasted until you got jealous that Oliver came to live with us-we went through quite a few VIF’s after that. None could hold a candle to the original.
We think the best time we had was in Burlington, Vermont. We walked EVERYWHERE. You knew the neighborhood and town so well. People didn’t know my name, but they saw you and would say to me when I was at work, “You have the Boston Terrier!” You even competed in a race down part of a mountain. Not exactly what you had in mind, but you were such a champ. But you would do anything to be a daddy’s side. We also loved the lake. It was so nice to go with you every day. We had the best time. We can feel and smell the air with you every time we think of it.
We love everything about you. Your love for popcorn. Even when you lost your hearing if you smelled it you would wake up. We love your snores. It was our white noise machine. If you weren’t snoring, we would check on you. The hilarity when you would give Oliver “the look,” and chase after him. Sometimes Oliver would even chase you. Your love for car rides-especially when we would get pupachinos together. The smell of coffee then taught you it was time to have whipped cream. If I made coffee at home, just like the popcorn, you were up waiting for your treat. You trained us well.
Let’s go to your favorite holiday-Christmas! Daddy taught you to open presents. It didn’t matter if they were yours or not. You stalked those gifts. Your obsession with Christmas got so bad we couldn’t hang your stalking up until Christmas eve or you would pout under it for hours! You made us love Christmas again. It’s our favorite holiday because of the joy it brought you.
We can’t get enough of you and how silly you are. I would laugh so hard when you knew you were going to get a bath and go ‘wet noodle’ on us. I couldn’t pick you up because I was laughing. It was a good ploy. Daddy and I each had so many special moments and games with you. My personal favorite, “Paddy Cake.” You’d lay on your back, I’d make your arms legs do the rhyme, and when the “Rolllllll themmmm, toss them” came up you’d squeal and laugh knowing the best part was coming up, “put ‘em in the belly for mommy and Simon!” We’d tickle you and give you endless kisses. We would do that over and over again.
We are endlessly grateful for every second, every hug, kiss, snuggle, and zoomie. You’ll always be our best friend and son.
The love we feel for you exceeds any stretch of the universe and is infinite.
Eternally yours,
Mommy, Daddy, and Oliver.
