Sunday, July 1, 2012

Happy Birthday, Raymond.


2012 July 1




Hope this day really is special for you. Sometimes I feel as if there is nothing really special I can do for you on special occasions, because you ask for so little anytime. So, you get to choose your birthday dinner, that hardly seems like much. So, I am going to tell you some of what I love about you.


I want you to know the things I appreciate about you. 


Your kindness and generosity are inspirational to me. Rarely have I ever heard you, in the 35 years I've known you, say that you wouldn't give something to someone. Unlike me, you have an open hand and an open spirit of giving. Your mostly even temper is a far cry from my angry yelling. Although, as time goes by, I think your even temper is growing to encompass me, since I confine my yelling to hockey and when I am behind the wheel, in traffic, and even that seems to be mellowing some. I admire that you hardly ever use salty language; I can't remember the last time I heard you cuss. I love that you always make my friends welcome, even when you don't think you will have anything in common with them. I love that you are a genuinely nice guy. I love that you always give people the benefit of the doubt. I love that you think Greyla loves me best :) [she doesn't, you know]. I appreciate that you put up with me through the good times and bad, through my emotional highs and lows, and provide perspective when I need it. I am glad to know we share a commitment to each other, regardless of circumstances. I am grateful for you, even in those times when I seem not to be. You are good, kind, generous, fair, just a little left of center. I love you.