If Daniel Were a Koala

A young koala

Daniel, I remember in a dream I had a couple of years ago, that I was crying in the dream, and that you were telling me that you were never intended to spend more than about 12 or 12 and a half years on Earth. You said you stayed as long as you could, but that it was time to go. I remember having this dream several times in those months, and hearing you tell me this, also several times.

 Today, I could not help but think of you, as I watched a documentary on Koala bears in Australia. It seems that koalas have a life expectancy of about 12 years. I see what you are saying. You were a koala of a boy. This is why you were born so alert, and able to turn over. This is why you were so bright and got teeth earlier than expected. This is why you learned to talk so quickly and were so articulate. This is why you had almost completely taught yourself to read using the computer, before we had even begun to teach you. This is why you were ready for college at 12. On Earth, you were always cuddly, sweet, resourceful and sometimes tenacious. You also wouldn't take any garbage from anyone, just like a koala ! You are still a beautiful human son, with koala bear tendencies.  If you were a "pouched bear", one thing is certain.  You would carry a laptop computer in a pouch to take with you everywhere.

         
After all, in real life, living on a forested farm, you always did love trees.   Love to you, Bug.   Missing you especially hard today.