Ironically, someone was singing Coat of Many Colors by the recently departed legend and exceptional human being Dolly Parton. And I felt a lot of feels. I went back to school this week. There’s been more emotion wrapped up in that return than I expected. I’m still grappling with grief over the resignation of my leadership role and the loss of the health I once took for granted—the health I’m working so hard to regain.

Two years ago today we had to let our Quinton leave the physical world and cross the rainbow bridge. He was ready, it was time. And as it so often does, the universe aligned to bring us together to say good-bye. I’ve labeled myself a bit of a cat whisperer, although Quinton was no ordinary cat. He was my girl’s first best friend. Sometimes I wonder if they were two souls reunited again, they had an indescribable bond.

My dad had three sisters, and my mom had two. That is not to say I don’t have uncles — I do, and they are wonderful. They joined our story by marrying my aunties and becoming part of the fabric of our family. Lately, I’ve been thinking about siblings. On my dad’s side, he is the only one of his siblings who is gone. On my mom’s side, she is the only one left. That reality feels strange. I love my aunties. Each one has been my favorite for different reasons.