Monthly Archives: August 2009

Twenty Wonderful Years

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Today seemed like any other day when I woke up; I yawned, opened the blinds, and checked my phone. Then it hit me, today was my birthday. My birthday has always felt more like a celebration of others than a celebration of myself, and I like it that way. Every year I invite friends over to celebrate one more wonderful year that we are still alive and together; breathing, living, laughing and loving. This year, I started my birthday by picking Sam up from the ferry dock, and heading to Gasworks Park in Fremont, where we spent a couple hours riding 22 miles around the Burke-Gilman trail and Ballard area. We stopped for lunch at Blue-C Sushi in U Village and then continues to cruis around til we got tired at four, heading back to my house to relax for a while before I was to cook dinner for my guests. Some people may find it strange that I cooked for friends on my birthday, but for me it’s about thanking them for the wonderful gifts they have given to me in their friendship.

The rest of the night was a blur of smiles and laughter, pool games, foosball, good music and too few hugs. I can’t truly give an account for the love that I felt throughout today, but know that it was appreciated. You were all appreciated. Thank you for giving me something to celebrate on my birthday.

This one’s for you, Robert Heger!

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Aranciata

While you may not read this for over a month, as your internet access may be limited in Spain with Mirka, I want to thank you for the summer that we’ve had together. From pool games, to pool jumps, late night swims and far too much halo, this has been one amazing summer. You’ll be back with us soon, but make sure to enjoy every minute away.

My reflection on Ryan (what I read at his service)

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In the time since Ryan’s passing, I have spent many moments with friends reflecting on how Ryan’s life touched us – how Ryan was a gift to us to be cherished. Every conversation started with “there are just so many memories…” Ryan was a truly unique individual, loving and compassionate from the moment we met him. While being at ICS together creates a sense of community between the classes, Ryan’s friendship was beyond that, he became your brother. Ryan always put you before him, tending to your needs before his own, smiling the whole time. I can’t think of any time I ever heard Ryan complain, except once in ninth grade. I was sitting next to him in chemistry, and just as class was starting I took out my notebook and a pencil. Ryan looked down at them almost enviously, then looked up at me and said, “ya know, writing sure is difficult with these things on (indicating his two broken arms that were in heavy casts)… but at least it makes paying attention a lot easier” he added a moment later. That was Ryan complaining. Continue reading →