Eden turned 8 last month.
And for her birthday, we all went up to Yosemite for her annual birthday hike—Jerma included.
He didn’t get to come on the main hike since he’s still too little to handle that much walking.
But he had a good time exploring around the Wawona Hotel.

One thing I love about this trail is that hardly anyone else is there, and it’s a different experience every time we're there. I notice different things and feel different things that fill me with wonder and awe.
This time around, I spotted this log and the peculiar pattern that looks as though it's been etched or burned into the wood itself.

I imagine this was created by ants or a type of bug that enjoys feasting on wood.
But looking at it closer, it reminded me of the paintings and drawings found on the walls of caves.

I'll see something and wonder what had happened in the history of these wild lands that created this moment in front of me.

Something about this large stone and moss, and the gentle, dappled sunlight filtering through felt as though this beautiful poem by the CryptoNaturalist was unfolding in front of my eyes.

And this massive rock looked like the mouth of a giant stone whale breaching through the earth.

Not pictured for obvious reasons, but we also got to see a baby bear!
I’ve never encountered a bear before in my life so it was quite the experience that unfolded within a flash.

---

Eden is like a soul partner to me.
I got her right when I finally started living on my own and entered a very big and brand new chapter of my life. And ever since we’ve been side-by-side, growing up, navigating and exploring the world, together.
It’s always been us.
Even though Jerma is here, Eden has a completely different energy that I love and appreciate.
And we have a different bond with one another compared to my bond with Jerma.
I can’t imagine my life and my home without her presence.

It’s difficult writing this because I keep coming to tears.
With being 8 years old—and seeing more grey on her muzzle—I can no longer ignore that she is entering her Senior Era.
I can no longer ignore her mortality.

Her father and grandfather lived to be about 12 (if I’m remembering correctly).
Which tells me that we are in her final years.
Luckily, she isn’t aware of it at all. I am the one burdened with that knowledge and responsibility.
It’s the price we must pay if we want to have a beautiful relationship with these wonderful, loving beings.

I still remember back in 2023 when I thought she had oral cancer and that I had less than a year left with her. I’m so glad that wasn’t the case and we got to have more time with each other.
But I can’t stop what linear time does to our physical bodies.
I can’t stop Death itself.

But what I can do in my power is cherish what time we still have left with each other even more.
I can give her more tummy rubs, I can give her more treats, I can give her more frisbee tosses.
I can keep showing and telling her, “I love you”.