Dear Neville...
Dear Neville, I can’t begin to tell you which memory of yours is my favorite so let me give you my top few - thank you for giving me a lifetime of memories.
I love how when I walked into your mom’s house the first thing you did was bring me your favorite toy - be it a slobbery squeaker or just a soggy one you loved, perhaps in the shape of a vegetable? I love that you never jumped on me, knowing that I’d be lured to your presence with an adorable head tilt and those feigned puppy dog eyes that got me every time. Of course we all knew you held down the ship when your mom was gone, and protected her fiercely when she was home, especially against those darn summer-named bugs.
Remember all those times I stayed over as your roommate and you’d cuddle in between your mom and I while we told stories and vented about our days? I’ll never forget the sweet, longing look you’d maintain towards your soulmate, no matter how late it got.
The night I came over and told Kelsey that I broke up with my boyfriend, quit my job, broke my apartment lease, and was moving to Colorado. While I cried you recognized my sadness, cuddled me, and made me feel so cozy so warm and so comfortable. You always made me feel at home, not by location but internally. You brought homeostasis to all who needed. A healing gift few could replicate.
One of the funniest memories happened when I came back to visit Oklahoma from my new home in Colorado - I accidentally laid in your spot in Kelsey’s bed and you made it very clear that was not where I was going to sleep - your spot was always right next to mom. I still laugh at the way you communicated this to me with a side eye, followed by a promise to get more aggressive if necessary and it was tremendously endearing. 🥹
Like I said, you always made me feel at home and since home is where the heart is, I sincerely know that you will always be in my heart. I love you Nev. Thank you for being there for my sister, especially when I left. I love you. Good night sweet dreams, sweet Neville. 🥹I’ll look for you in every starry night sky, and when I see a falling star, I’ll know it’s you, not falling, but shining as bright as you always have and always will. Lunsd sweet sweet boy. ✨