Somewhere Along the Way: Ode to an Old Friend

We've been together quite a while, bud. I remember the first day you came into my life, and I began to learn how it was you saw the world. You've been with me on so many adventures, and even when other's have come and gone you've stayed at my side. You've tagged along to parties even though I knew you might be bored. We went across the pacific together and you showed me how much our relationship meant to you. We wandered the streets of Tokyo and a dozen other cities. You came with me into the heart of Osorezan, and stayed close to me in the mists of Mount Fuji--you didn't shy away even when I thought the clouds beating upon you like billowing wet blankets might finally do you in. We hiked the Great Wall of China and you looked down fearlessly into the valleys; we walked across Tiananmen square and into the Forbidden City. You remember the faces of my friends so well that with your help I never have to forget a single detail of their features. Because of you I won't forget how beautiful a sunset looks over the yard in Nova Scotia. You accompanied me to Korea, and came out and about with me on that very first week, and even as other people's companions started to look faster, smoother and sharper than you, I knew there was no way I would give you up without due respect and a proper farewell.

This is that farewell. No, not so much a farewell as an I'll see you around. I'll keep you close by, but the fact is that we've just aged differently and you're getting a bit old for this. In truth, I don't think you enjoy it as much as before either. It's all just part of life, my dear friend, and I know it's time to give you a rest. My new pal isn't anything special yet, just newer. He has a rechargeable battery instead of eating double As. He's got more megapixels (not that it really matters). These things happen with the passage of time, and it's nothing to mourn about. We're both just moving on. Thanks for everything, my dedicated buddy, I wouldn't trade the time we had for anything; the memories will last forever.