So Long, Jabari

1. I’m thankful for our family membership at the zoo.
2. I’m happy Owen slept later than usual today.
3. I’m thankful the weather looks pretty good today.

I just woke up a short time ago and saw the Facebook post from a cousin saying “R.I.P, Jabari.” In a panic, I went to Philly.com to see that Jabari, the 28- year-old lowland gorilla at the Philadelphia Zoo — and one of Owen’s favorite attractions — had died suddenly.

Just yesterday we got a mailing from the zoo announcing the arrival of Kira, who was being brought to the zoo to be Jabari’s “partner.” Owen was excited to meet Kira, but really wanted to see Jabari and one of the zoo’s “bachelors,” Louis.

I feel a little — probably disproportionately — sad about Jabari’s passing, and I honestly don’t know how I’ll tell him Jabari died. Owen’s very smart, but death is a pretty big concept, and he’s just not there yet.

We loved you, Jabari. Owen and the rest of our family are going to miss you.