My gourami fish, Bumper, died today in New Orleans. I wasn’t there and that hurts. I know he had a good home these past couple of months and I know he took care of him the best he good. He was a good daddy. Thank you.

I bought my fish, aquatic frogs and my tank on December 3, 2008, as an anniversary present to myself after being in New Orleans for a year. At the time that was a huge accomplishment because the previous five years I had moved around like a lone ranger looking for his next eminent ‘dare to be great situation.’ Following my heart, I so often called it. I had traveled forty states and had lived in eight of them, in every kind of living situation imaginable. I guess you could have called me a seasoned vagabond, if you wish. Who would have thought that that siren of a city would steal my breath away? I was instantly taken. It was the very FIRST time in five years I had stayed in one city for a whole year. I wont lie, I tried to leave that city on more than one occasion throughout that year but somehow, through it all, I found a magical place that I could [and willfully] call home.

I wanted something that could keep me grounded and up until this August, he did exactly that. Bumper was the only surviving fish of that original group, actually, he was the only surviving fish of any group I brought home. The many fish, snails and frogs that lived in that aquarium, over the next two years, were known to commit fishy suicide. Bumper never did; and through it all, he loved me. He lived a long and happy life. Bumper was stubborn and a bully but I know his heart was the same on the inside as it was on the outside… gold. Swee’Pea and I are both heart broken.

RIP Bumper; you were a lovable, stubborn fish. I was your proud momma for almost two years. I will miss you♥