Happy Happy Joy Joy

I have to let you all know something very important—

For the first time since Kellie died, I had an entirely good day.

Of course there were tears, there were conversations with Kellie, and there were plenty of moments that included sadness.

But I had a day without any real bad stretches—and I can honestly say it was a completely good one. That’s a relief, since I didn’t know for sure that I was still capable of having those.

I love this one. It wasn’t taken today, obviously, but is a really happy memory.

I ate breakfast in the park, watching the day get started in the harbor, enjoying the breeze and the sun. It was lovely.

I met a very old friend for coffee and spent a couple hours catching up. It was so lovely! (The coffee, and also the time we got to spend together). Friend, let’s do it again soon!

The parking garage I chose had this incredible slide down from the second floor! I would have maybe tried it, but unfortunately the slide was boarded up. :(

Lunch was at Larder, where Kellie and I have gone in the past. The chicken sandwich was not perfect, but they were the best french fries I have ever eaten. There are plenty of other sandwiches that would have been great, I’m sure—but it’s worth a trip just for those fries. I promise. (And the garli aioli.)

My reason for going to Cleveland today in the first place was to visit Parallel Universe, a science fiction/fantasy/horror bookstore in Hingetown (a neighborhood in Ohio City). It was a fantastic place with a lovingly curated collection of books which is well-worth the drive. I adored this little touch at the bottom of the stairs. Parallel Universe is officially the first stop in my Great Independent Bookstore Tour.

Just for the hell of it, I went to Jeff’s Candy Shop in Willoughby, which Kellie and I have been wanting to check out for a while. I watch Jeff on TikTok! I got to see him do a live candy making demonstration this afternoon, and also to buy some random candy which was incredibly tasty.

My dad and I planted some things in Kellie’s memorial garden this evening. If I’m being honest (and why stop now), he mostly did all the work and I mostly watched. But I helped with the rose bush, which was the most important part. And also, I am completely in love with this flower.

When I got home, I also read more than a hundred pages of one of my new books (not pictured). That was a really big deal for me as well, and another first in this new reality I’m inhabiting.

If I can have a good day, you can too. Why not try to make that happen for you tomorrow? I’ll give it a shot myself again as well, and we can compare notes and see how it goes.

Love you.

Matt