There's a very special someone's birthday this weekend, tomorrow (7/20) to be exact. We won't ask how old as that's rude, but it doesn't matter anyway because once you hit 30, birthdays are just numbers. What I do know is that he's a true kid at heart and for that we all love and adore him.
A quirky little story about how I met Richard. We were both working at the fabulous FLC but on different floors. I was always having to go upstairs to get the mail or to check on some printing and I would always run into this guy (Richard) on almost every trip I made upstairs. On my next trip up, sure enough here came this guy again so I just said, "I should probably introduce myself since I see you all the time. I'm Kristine." The look on his face was priceless and then he told me his name was Richard and we went about our ways. I can't remember exactly any indepth conversations we had but I know we went on a couple company outings and lived through the same hell (I mean fun), so we have those memories to share. It actually wasn't until after I left my job there that our friendship really blossomed and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Richard, you helped me in more ways than you realize get through some really dark, gloomy, ugly days and now look at me. Once a doormat now shark! I don't put up with no @#%^&! Seriously though, your sense of humor, compassion and sincere genuineness are one in a million and I for one am greatly honored to have you as a dear friend.
I don't know if I told ever you this or not but when my friend's dad died VERY unexpectedly several years ago, out of the blue I received a CD compilation from you of songs that had some kind of symbolism or words to get through the time of loss (I took this loss very hard as Mr. Brennan was a mentor to me and I had just seen him several days before and then bam, he was gone).
Your CD was by far the best and most thoughtful gift I have ever received in all my life, especially in that kind of a situation. I still cherish that CD and pulled it out again when I lost my grandfather. We share a passion for the love of music and honestly, music soothes my heart and soul. There's always a song for every mood or thought I have and I think you are one in a few who can actually understand, respect and appreciate that about me.
Anyway, sorry to get so mushy but if I've learned anything lately it's that no matter what, there's never a time like the present to let those people special to you know just how special you are.
Happy Birthday Richard. May all your birthday wishes come true.
In honor of you, here's a song by your favorite band...(can't even type that with a straight face).
