Monday, February 16, 2026

Journey 230 ~Money Talks, Braxton, Virgil~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… Beats “In God We Trust,” doesn’t it? It wasn’t the dollars you spent, I looked forward to hearing, ever.

The luxury of children, am I right? More like, am I write? Your back pocket, body, and brain. What a day to wake up to at The Bad Place. You know that place you would go to all the time, and when you came back, you didn’t want to talk for a long time. Sleepy?

That’s what today reminds me of. After “The Long Walk…” Maybe that’s what I should call The Bad Place. Unimaginable riches? For me, that is being with you, Dad. Fries?

Daddy, you got me there, but they didn’t hurt, did they? Golden fries, I should say—and green paper. We’re going on six years… Five years, 16 days. And color is still a new thing.

They speak to me, Dad.

“Pinch me, pinch me
‘Cause I’m still asleep
Please, God, tell me
That I’m still asleep.”
Barenaked Ladies ‧ 2000

It’s like how music speaks to you. Beauty and a beat. Let’s say that’s you and M Anime, my father. Beasties and a beat? That would be Virgil and me. Remind me to talk to my little bro. I need to go all Shadow to Chance on him. “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.” Another long walk? The one wish? And isn’t it “Ironic?” My wish was for “The Long Walk” to have two winners. And yours? To be with me. Keep “Running Up That Hill.” And we both “die” on our respective hills. You just have much farther to go.

Today, you woke up wondering how you’re going to make it without an almighty dollar.

Do I “Speak Like A Child? 21, January 31, 2026.

But I’ll leave the Cowboy Bebop references and Faye Valentine kink to your favorite girl, M Anime. Really, Dad, Eww! You and my potential stepmom. But I’ll tell you this, Daddy, I’d rather be behind your door listening to hear teach you dirty Spanish than hear you breathe your last because a green piece of paper told you that you aren’t good enough. My father.

There is a little white ball of fluff that is your son and my little brother lying at your feet. Yes, V has trouble being woke, he’s weepy, and he’s a bit of a wimp. He is his Dad’s son.

I’m just kidding. But listen to Virgil. Listen to the Man In The Mirror. But SIGH! Money Talks, Braxton, Virgil

“Your pets want to help you heal. They want to communicate with you. All you need to do is listen.”
Yes, Pets Do Go To Heaven!
― By Sophia Grace

“Do not give way to misfortune, but press on the more bravely.”
― The Aeneid

1842 Days Without B III, Day 1283 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, February 9, 2026

Journey 223 ~Braxton’s Verity Vacation Virgil~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… Did you have a good day? A good night anyway. A full belly, an open heart (compared to MAGA)

And while Heaven is as good at its open-door policy as you were. I’ve never been so tempted not to go “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.” Not that I ever did in the first place, Dad.

“Diggin’” at you? Of course not, that’s why I used the “Cowboy Bebop” movie… Sorry.

But I can’t help being a bit jealous of you and Virgil after last night. My little brother deserved everything, no doubt. Street Tacos, Ranch Wings with the wild sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings, Fries for him, and Onion Rings for you. Do you remember when my Favorite Girl warned you about Onions? She had to ruin my fun. But “Here I Am” Dad pawing and thinking, I “Gotta Knock a Little Harder.” I’m trying.

“Pinch me, pinch me
‘Cause I’m still asleep
Please, God, tell me
That I’m still asleep.”
Barenaked Ladies ‧ 2000

Don’t worry, my father, I’ve eaten. The question is “Have you eaten yet?” I’m sure we’ve had Panda Express, but the glow box has been particularly annoying with those commercials, the STUPID Bowl, as you call it. And of all the colors I was introduced to on the Rainbow Bridge, orange is not my favorite color: Mother Effer’s orange, Daddy.

Yes, I know, Language! But I was here the first time that… Human… No, he’s not. Nothing like you, Dad, or any other human. Only I was with you the whole time. Then he left.

Why should either of us care right now? I only want to remember, to celebrate, to bark Here’s To The Night, the many nights, the many days, to the times…

The E-days, the moments grandma or grandpa would come with turkey and ham, or when we would go to that place that stuck me with pokey things (shudders), only you would get me McDonald’s and say you were sorry about all those people muzzling me.

These were our vacations, getaways, and holidays. When my favorite girl would come over, we would have all sorts of food and watch the glow box. Sweet. Peaceful and Awesome.

M Anime wasn’t my potential future stepmom yet, but you were talking to her, Daddy.

Honestly, I’m going to say it, “And in this moment, I am happy.” You’d never say that, I know. Who needs Heaven when “I only want to be with you.” But Braxton’s Verity Vacation Virgil

“But think about it― what would your pet’s Heaven be like?”
Yes, Pets Do Go To Heaven!
By Sophia Grace

“There, the heroes who have lived justly and honorably enjoy endless leisure, free from the burdens of earthly cares.”
Aeneid

1835 Days Without B III, Day 1276 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son

Monday, February 2, 2026

Journey 216 ~Braxton, Virgil, Don’t Drink~

Hey Dad,
It’s Me, Baby B… Did you have a good day? Am I really the one asking that? We could both use a drink.

Like father, like son. We don’t drink. My Favorite Girl could tell you that. Grieving…

She’d like to hear from you anyway, Dad, but you’re in no mood, especially since we’re speaking early. Sunday, February 1, 2026. The day after I left five years ago. So you can’t feel bad about not leaving the bed all day. You spent the 31st watching movies, Daddy. I wonder what’s on my little brother’s mind with all this. You know what, scratch that, Dad. And no, I didn’t become a cat or an angel since I got up here, ha! Honestly, Dad, today…

I’m more like a designated driver, more like a walker. I hated your rolling machine.

Daddy, I should also work on my wording. A Walker…

“Pinch me, pinch me
‘Cause I’m still asleep
Please, God, tell me
That I’m still asleep.”
Barenaked Ladies ‧ 2000

I’m as much of a zombie as you are a swimmer. But if you keep crying like this, you’ll be “Dead Like Me” soon enough with the flood. Now that was not funny. Sorry Dad. Someone has to lighten the mood. And once upon a time, it was as if I was barking “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head. And with you, Dad, you would always say, when it rains, it pours. But now with Virgil, you know it is/was with me and my little brother, Daddy. “Singin’ In The Rain.” And you are our “Mr. Blue Sky.” Effing soundtrack!

Language! I know Dad. Watch my barks. But after your cry session Saturday, and trying not to drool all over M Anime’s yabbos. Daddy, eww!

She’s been trying to get your attention all day. And “I Can See Clearly Now, the rain is gone.” But not for you last week or this one. You need a whiskey drink, a vodka, a lager, or a cider, right? No, “You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness,” right, my father.

Or madness when it comes to you humans and love. Again, Daddy, eww! But I’d… Begrudingly accept you and M Anime. Or even the rage you feel at the Bad Place, which is why again we’re talking “Here And Now.” Am I a doctor, a DJ, some sort of drink specialist, whatever the young humans call bartenders? We’re old men. But drinking, partying. Being happy… Gasps. Braxton, Virgil, Don’t Drink

“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.”
― Yes, Pets Do Go To Heaven!
By Sophia Grace

“Potum Largius Aequo”
The Aeneid

1828 Days Without B III, Day 1269 of Virgil’s Arrival

Always and Forever,
Your Son