Happy Birthday, Old Friend!

You were a leftover carnival fish from a Halloween alternative party at Biola.  You had 2 other friends who also came home with Amy and I that night.  Despite our horrible luck with the many fish who swam in your bowl before you, you lived and thrived.  We celebrated your first birthdays in a big way!

We had a party for you in our dorm room.  Fish cutouts lead the way from the elevator to our room.  Once your guests arrived, they could play fish twister, Go Fish, snack on goldfish crackers, or watch the Little Mermaid on TV.

Many friends stopped by to wish you a Happy Birthday in our overly decorated room!  You were the guest of honor!  Some friends even brought gifts.  Julie probably regrets the Life Insurance policy she gave to you!  Who knew you'd still be swimming after 17 years  :)

After graduation, it was decided you would come with me.  We moved to Washington where you weren't too fond of my new pet.  Owen would have loved for you to come and play with him.  Once I realized he could get onto the counter, the strainer was the only thing that kept you safe.  By now, Howard and Soviet had passed on and it was just you in the bowl!

You eventually moved from your bowl into the condo.  And with that move you grew bigger.  I didn't realize that goldfish grew in size according to the size of the container they are in.  

Through the years, you've become a legend.  Sometimes friends have fun photoshopping guests into your tank to play with you.  I always thought this picture looked like you were being squeezed to death.  Suzanne claimed that the monkey was only hugging you.  Either way, you didn't look very happy about it!

With our last move, you moved early with your dad.  He pretends not to care much for you, but truth be told, when I'm out of town, he is quite faithful to take good care of you and ever overfeeds you a bit.  He likes to call you funny names like Homer (but we know he really loves you a lot).

Happy Birthday, Helmer!  You bring more joy to me than a fish really should and I enjoy sharing my kitchen counter with you.  Your silly antics make me smile.  You still have a ways to go before coming close to breaking any records (the record holder died at age 43 ).  Wishing you another year of swimming and playing with your plant!