Nacho Vaughn Warren

“You’re still a part of everything I do

You’re on my heart just like a tattoo

Just like a tattoo I’ll always have you”

My Little Nacho Friend… I didn’t expect to be writing this so soon. I can’t begin to express the piece of me that is missing now that you’ve moved on to your next life. Your home looks so empty without you running around & digging in the dirt. i catch myself feeling like I just need to start looking all over the apartment to see if you’re in one of your “caving” spots”

Remember the day we brought you home? I was so excited to show you to BabyGirl. Little did i know that she was going to see you as a snack instead of her fellow bearded buddy. Before I knew it she had put most of your body in her mouth. Immediately I reached in & rescued you. It wasn’t long before you grew too big to eat, then you & BabyGirl became the Bearded Buddies that i hoped you’d be.

With a curious outlook & fearless approach you explored the world around you. You always seemed to be jumping off of laps & couches, running through rooms, & finding the most hidden spots to “cave”. You not only found your way into couches, box springs, but also into the hearts of those who weren’t afraid to be around you.

The day you moved back with your other Papa is a day that I won’t forget. I held you close to my chest for hours & cried. Through the tears I told you how much I loved you & how sorry I was that our little family had to break apart. I tried to memorize everything about you while I had the chance. I lost count of the “I love yous” that were said & of the times I had to go back for “one more hug”. Though you didn’t live with me for a time, I didn’t have to look farther than my chest to see you. Dressed in a fancy Tuxedo no less! Though now with you gone seeing you in your tuxedo brings me a great sadness… knowing that I wont see you again

I am really going to miss seeing you swim in the bathtub. The first time you did that you swam so much you forgot to breathe! Scaring your Papa was one of your favorite past times. When I look at your home I get sad because I miss seeing you dig in the dirt. I miss seeing how dirty you would get yourself all so you could get in the tub & swim. Even your failed attempts at catching crickets is something I am going to greatly miss.

The day you came back to live with me was very special. I had just gotten you a new home. Not only did you come back into my life, but your other Papa & I became Best Friends. I may not have made it known then but i was thankful to have our little family back again.

A night that will forever be embedded into my memory was the night your home caught on fire. I woke up to the sound of the smoke alarm, like a zombie. I walked over & fanned the alarm till it stopped ringing. I went back to bed only to be woken up by the alarm again, only

this time I could smell the smoke. I flung out of bed & ran into the living room. As I turned the corner I saw a part of your house start on fire. I ran over & reached into the fire to save you. Thankfully you chose to go to bed in your cave that night which sheltered you from the flames. Seeing your little face look up at me while surrounded by fire still floods my soul with all sorts of feels.

Having faced the reality of losing you, even if it was for a couple of seconds, was horrifying. You slept with me for the next week, I don’t think I let you out of my sight that entire time. You know more than anyone how protective I am & how deeply I love. I miss holding you after your bath all wrapped up in a towel. You’d fall asleep as I’d rub the top part of your head. Nothing was more precious than you sleeping after a rigorous swim in the tub,

I know Frillie misses you, or at least he misses the morning ritual that you two shared. One of you would notice the other first. If it was Frillie he would do his head bob & quick wave. If it was you then your beard would get all black & you’d charge at the glass of your home to show how big & bad you were. Now Frillie just kind of sulks in the mornings for a little bit… I have to eat more leafy greens since you aren’t here to help me eat them.

The thought of your soul being reborn into a human brings me comfort. When I first heard of this notation of when a human takes in a pet & allows room for that pet’s own personality to grow results in the pet’s soul being able to move on into being a human; I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of my Little Nacho Friend as a human boy.

I do have some advice for you as you begin this new chapter in your soul’s journey.

1. Love with reckless abandon…. Even when they are gone… eventually those memories will go back to bringing you feels other than pain.

2. Keep that curiosity….. But a healthy dose of fear will go a long way

3. Cherish every moment with the ones you love once you find them. You never know when their time will come to leave this life for the next.

4. Please be careful… I won’t be there to protect & save you.

One last thing…I want to say “thank you” for showing me how to love, how to be vulnerable, & for keeping me company through these crazy years. I love you so much & miss you everyday. I hope that you feel the love that you made me feel…. Till we meet again my Little Nacho Friend….

Love,

Your Papa-Ethan

“Just like a tattoo, I’ll always have you…”