Thank You!

There is a famous moment in American sports history. Lou Gehrig, one of baseball’s greats, after finding out he had to retire from the game because of a disease, stood before 60,000 people in Yankee Stadium and told them, “Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

 

While I was not standing in front of 60,000 people on the night of my birthday party (although it did seem pretty close), I also felt like the luckiest man on the face of the earth – lucky to have such wonderful friends.

 

I’m very thankful to each of you for contributing to and being part of my best birthday ever, and I would also like to specifically thank a few people for what they did to make it happen.

 

Janine Urban, a dear friend who organized the fireplace present, which will help keep my friends and me warm and happy for years to come. And she also found one of the most delicious birthday cakes ever.

 

Eva Merkelbach, who had the idea for that present. And now she can come to my apartment to enjoy it without having to worry about burning down her own place.  ; )

 

Brian Blickenstaff, who, as I understand it, started the whole idea of the Dachterasse present by saying over a morning coffee, “I was at his place the other day, and, you know, he definitely needs a balcony.”

 

Tom Sekula, whose great technical skills and unwavering devotion to his friends and their happiness helped set things in motion.

 

Lars Gilbert, who surpassed James Bond with his undercover spy skills and who I am happy to count as one of my good friends.

 

Caroline Conway, for her work in helping to find a great architect for my present and for her many years of friendship. And if Caroline thought he was good enough to hire, I have total faith in that decision.

 

Barrett Conway, who . . . well, what more can I say about Barrett, except that I value his exceptional friendship greatly. The day that he first called me in response to a job posting was indeed a lucky day in my life.

 

If there was anyone else that had an extra hand in helping with everything and I missed you, I’m very sorry. Just let me know, and the next few drinks are on me!

 

Thank you everyone for the wonderful presents and for being with me to celebrate – but, more than that, thank you for your friendship.