By: Dwayne Parton

Sad endings...new beginnings

Sad endings…Bobby’s food bowl sits full in my closet…I haven’t the heart to empty it yet. His collar has become my key chain, I like having it around. It still smells like him. I miss having him greet me when I come home. To open the door, see his startled faces as he wakes up, looks at me, and immediately notices the groceries in my hand. He’d ignore me and stick his head in the bags scanning for edibles. If there was nothing, he might show me some love. If he saw a bag of bones he would sit and demand one with his puppy eyes. That crazy dog who was so very very handsome was like a son to me. He was my family.

New beginnings…I’ve been looking for a job to invest with a web development firm for a while. I don’t just want a job, I’ve got a job, I’ve been self employed for almost 10 years now. I like it, but it’s lonely. I have no one to inspire me but me. Now, what I’m looking for is community. A group of people to grow with, who do what I do, and love it. I’ve been making websites for almost 10 years. I write javascript, php, mysql, html, and css. I’ve even coded a board game, which I may share at some point.

My first interview with Gecko Designs just felt right. The boss man was so chill and had nothing but good things to say. It felt like I was just what they were looking for. During my second interview they gave me a sample project. I didn’t feel pressured. I felt excited, and I even added a little Easter egg, which they were stoked about. Monday, July 10th I was offered a job. I took the job that day, and would start the following Monday.

July 13, I turned 33. I packed my van. Bobby and I headed west. Of course we took the scenic route, but we zipped up to Montana as fast as we could. My first day I was issued a Nerf gun. Nerf darts randomly fly through the office during slow work hours. I haven’t used mine yet. I’ve been there for 3 weeks now, and I’m loving it. It’s challenging, but they know what they are doing. They’re the best group of developers I’ve been around. If you don’t know the answer for a problem, one of them has probably solved it already. I feel like I fit in pretty well.

Bobby was even allowed in the office and had a spot right under my desk. He pad is still there. I like having his memories around. It’s been a crazy transition, and loosing Bobby made it all the more crazy. But things are good. There are some things in life that just aren’t pleasant. I miss my boy, but it was his time. Thank you all for all the sympathy, empathy, and love you showed me. It truly meant so much to me.

Bobby and I had some awesome adventures that will forever live in my heart. He’s been with me for some of the hardest moments of my life and some of the best. It’s making my heart swell, because he helped me through so much heartache. And even though it was sad ending…it’s an appropriate time for a new beginning…