Bao Oxford

what is today.

this day last year, i watched your foster mom pluck you out of the front seat of her car and place you in our hands.  i was shifting my weight back and forth, butterflies tampered by new responsibilities.  

i planted you in a spare box with a towel, gazing at you while your foster mom explained your toys and medications.  i just wanted to get you home and start our life together.  

i got you a lambchop and two beds, one for upstairs, and one for downstairs; i knew from my endless research that you weren’t supposed to go up and down stairs yet, your little hips weren’t developed enough at 11 weeks, so i knew i would have to cradle you in my arms for every altitude change. 

bao, i remember the pictures your foster sent, the meetup that made me say okay.  you were so fragile, so puppy, so distended in your overly large fluffy, spotted tummy. 

i sometimes think of how tiny you were. and the crack you made in my heart.  you wedged your way in there, growing so quickly and so surely. sure of our love for you. sure of your love for us.

you are irreversible, bao. march 20th.  you’ve been the greatest gift to me this last year.  how i love you so.

got you.

March 20, 2021. Bao Oxford McWong.