Seven years ago today, I pulled my black Honda CRV into the driveway of what would be my new house in Terre Haute, Indiana.
The anniversary of my arrival feels a little different this year. When my Cody Brown Dog died a few weeks ago, it really hit me that nearly everything that came with me from my old San Diego life is gone. It’s like that person I was is gone. … Both dogs, my cat, my marriage, all the clothing I owned and the 40 pounds that occupied them, even the Honda that took me here — it’s all gone.
Sophie remains, of course. But I don’t think of her as part of an “old life.” Because she’s always been, and will always be, part of me, wherever and whomever I am.
I’m sad parts of that life are gone, namely my beloved pets. But I’m not sad that I’m not that person anymore, or that I don’t have that life anymore. That being said, it’s a really strange feeling too.
I can say this … I had never set foot in Indiana until July 27, 2016. I didn’t know a soul in town, nor did I know how to get to the closest grocery store. But, I knew I was home. And that feeling has only grown and strengthened over the last seven years.