Replacements

Graduation is a mere week away. I am done with high school forever. I leave for college in less than 80 days. And my family has already found my replacement.

Fortunately, they only got one

My family now owns one apricot Australian Labradoodle puppy.

I'd heard of Australia (that continent where nature is trying to kill everyone) and labradoodles, but never together. I'm not sure where the Australian part comes in, but the puppy may be the cutest thing I've ever seen, and I own a lot of mirrors. 

The puppy is magical. Not only is it adorable, it seems to have arrived pre-potty trained. It knows to pee on grass and not on carpets! I'm in awe. 

I'm also mildly embittered. Despite assurances that I'm "irreplaceable," my family chose a dog prettier than I am to fill the void. Australian or not, at least it shall never master my wit!

Puppies aside, this is a season of replacement. My old laptop was replaced with a MacBook Pro. My decrepit backpack was replaced by one from Eagle Creek. My room will be soon replaced by a dorm; my bathroom by a communal watering hole. My mother's cooking will be replaced by dining hall food; my car by a bicycle. 

The thought is scary and exciting and invigorating, all at once. 

In this period of change and replacement, I keep reminding myself of a favorite quote from C.S. Lewis: 

It's time for childhood whimsy to be left behind. Home is behind, the world ahead, and I've got many paths to tread. 

[And Lord of the Rings to quote, but that's a different story]