I've been contemplating the circle of life thing. As we watch our Buffista Babies grow up, there's the other turn of the wheel as well. The inevitability of a group that has hung together so long.

So sad to hear about Ouise. Love to the Haligonistas.

I'm so sorry to hear about Ouise. Sympathies and comfort to those who loved her.

Suzi, that's such good news about Kelly. Your kids are good people.

Matt, I'm so pleased at how well Gizmo's recovering. I hope he finds a fabulous furever home where he can boss everybody around and be king of his personal savannah.

Dana, I'm so sorry. There's a lot of that going around and it's so very hard to reconcile.

Andi, thank you for the Millay. It said beautifully what I've been feeling.

I've been thinking deep thinky thoughts about belonging and how we self-identify, and I've come to the realization that this has been the only place where I've ever felt I truly belonged. I don't have to try too hard, I don't have to put on a brave face, and I don't have to wear the right clothes. How I am is OK. So thank you.

awww. yay Maria, but I'm sad you don't feel you belong other places too :(

I want the next version of the board to have likes just for Maria's post. And then to take them away again because I'm cranky that way.

Your kids are good people

So very true, Suzi is parenting goals. And you are goals too Bev, for your incredibly attuned heart that recognizes the fullness of everything you're feeling.

Andi, thank you for the Millay. It said beautifully what I've been feeling.

Yes, this too. It was one of my mother's favorite poems. Breaks my heart.

And what meara said, Maria. You are so awesome sauce that it seems like you'd belong in many a place, although I do get the particular joy of belonging that comes with knowing you can be exactly who you are. As much as I really get along with a lot of my colleagues at work, and even have some deep and true friends there, by definition it takes more emotional work being there than here.

I'm glad I am not the only one Dirge without Music speaks to.

Maria, I'm glad you feel OK here, but I would venture to say you are more than OK.

On days when I don't have words, simply having a tab open here gives me connection.

Well, a couple of setbacks for Gizmo. As it turns out, that 90% healed had to be rolled back to 75% healed, apparently the lip didn't properly re-attach after all and was somewhat peeled back today. Apparently it will grow over with scar tissue rather than healing back in place, so he's going to be disfigured (though it doesn't actually seem to be bothering him). And the vet tech who wanted to adopt him found out his landlord won't allow it, though he does have a friend who's interested in adopting. I'll have to see what Gizmo's prognosis is in a few days and if this person will be OK with the disfigurement and any care/feeding issues it will cause.

FWIW, Maria, you are great everywhere! Other people maybe nsm.

Poor Gizmo. I hope it's just cosmetic and doesn't create trouble down the line.

I have made the crepe cake and the devilled eggs. I should have made the dip before sitting back down, but I wanted to eat the extra eggs.