Through out your life you will meet countless people. Some will be nice and some won’t but how you treat people will be the measure of what kind of person you are. They say blood makes you relative and loyalty makes you family well nothing could be more true.
I hope as you grow up you make great friends that you carry throughout your life. I’ve been very lucky in picking good people that have been there for me when I need it and I like to think I have been there for them when they needed it.
My very first of these friends is your uncle Darren. Darren and I met in the sandbox in kindergarten. And truth be told I think we got into a fight over another kid we were both friends with. We later ditched him and became the closest friends possible. Like all friendships we have had ups and downs. Periods when we were closer than others but all in, he’s my oldest and one of my most dear friends. He’s taught me a lot about life, who I am, and who I wanted to be. He’s helped me start my business, and cared for me like few people have. I hope one day you get to know him and he can tell you stories about growing up with your dad. He’s a good person and cares about your feelings. You can trust him and know he will always be honest with you.
Now I can’t mention Darren without bringing up Uncle Adam. We met in middle school and have been very close ever since. Darren, Adam and I are a trio. We try to stay close and speak or see each other as often as possible. As we get older and have families that gets harder. But uncle Adam is an important part of our lives. He performed the wedding ceremony when your mom and I got married. He and Darren drove to Boston from ny when you were born to come see you. He’s a smart man and he cares about his friends. He has always been there for me and if anything ever happened to me, I know he would be there for you. You listen to uncle Adam – when he gives advice you know he means well and has thought it through. He’s a really strong person and has a lot of love for his family. You’re part of that family.
As a kid those two guys were the best friends I could have asked for. I had others growing up – people that I was close with but not like them. And no one I have been as close with for so long.
College separated the three of us but we remained good friends through out. During that time I made a new group of friends. Some of which are very important to me still and are a part of your life too. As a sophomore I met Stalin and Rupert when we worked together as security at Whos on First (now the Bullpen.) We became good friends and had a lot of great stories. later that year I met Juan In a very dramatic way- that story is a good one- Louis and Raffi. These 5 guys would be like family for me through college. I don’t get to see them that much but I respect and care for them all. I think as you grow and get to know them you will feel the same.
The next friend to have such an impact on me was one I didn’t expect. I was 23 or so managing the sports bar when a dorky 18 year old kid with a Hawaiian shirt was forced on me. He was a friend of a friend and we were asked to hire him. Little did I know it would be the best and most rewarding favor I could make. Uncle Jeff has been like a brother to me for as long as I can remember knowing him. He loves our family and will always treat you like one of his own kids. You can always turn to him for advice, friendship or just someone to listen and be there for you. He’s been that person for me and he’s never let me down – I’m sure he would never let you down either. His girls are still very young but I’m sure they will follow in his footsteps – being kind trustworthy and loyal people. You will be lucky to count them as friends. Your uncle Jeff could probably tell you some great stories too.
Lawschool came next and I made some other friends – kyle, joe, Brian and Seth to name a few. These are people I respect. They are intelligent, bright and fun to be around. I don’t see them as much as the others I mentioned but I enjoy the times I do see them.
I have worked hard to build a good group of friends. In this life you may only have a few close friends. The kind you can call at any hour and know that if they can be there for you they will. These were those people for me. While it’s easy to see the great friends you make in life it’s much harder to see the bad ones until they are gone. As I look back, the reason why the names above are great friends and the other people aren’t on that list is because the guys above always put their friends needs before their own. They were thoughtful and considerate and it promoted the same in response. I hope you have friends like this and I hope you are a friend like this.
When I’m gone- you’ll have them and their stories to help you understand more about me.