Diane and I second that wholeheartedly. It would be great if you showed up for the April get-together. We go to Carmel a few times a year now, and our day-long detours to Mill Valley are always the highlight of the trip. It means a lot to us to keep in touch with everyone, and we'd really like to see you there.

Mary, I know how hard it must be for you to consider going back to Mill Valley and possibly face the memories of a place Caira Sue loved so much. After all, Max died eight days after his one and only visit there, so we can honestly say that Mill Valley was his last big blowout – the final party for him. We were a little apprehensive ourselves about going back the first time, worried about the memories it might bring back. But it just wasn't like that (although admittedly, having your hands full with a rampaging monstrosity like Bernie bin Laden leaves little time for introspection). We still missed our boy, of course, but it's almost impossible to be sad when you're surrounded by friends who know exactly what you went through, in a place full of happy dogs tearing around without a care in the world. We wouldn't miss these reunions for anything, and we're counting down the days until we get to see everyone again. Having you there would only make it better, and it might do more to heal you than you realize.

Everyone grieves differently, and maybe you had to shut down for a while after losing Caira Sue. But now it's time to start up again. Come see us in April and remind yourself about all the good times. There are still plenty more to be had.