When you are surrounded by such extraordinary people, it's easy to become complacent and forget just how incredibly special your entire existence is. Fantastic and wonderful things become the routine, and begin to be considered the norm.
Some inconceivable phenomenon has placed such an abundance of magnificent souls around me over the years, and it's time I recognize it.
Excellence should never go unnoticed, and it's easy for me to forget how much my dream of a life, my utter happiness, and my success thus far is due to the people around me. I'm not some rich man explaining how he got where he is, I'm just a guy who absolutely loves his life, and doesn't tell the people around him how much he loves them nearly often enough.
I love you.
And it's not just the people I'm around often. It's also the people I don't get to see as often, the ones I only get to see a few special times a year, when they come home from college to enjoy the hot summer nights of Sacramento, to remember why that little spot in their heart still aches for home.
Yet, it still goes beyond that. If you're someone I've had a meaningful conversation with, then this is going out to you.
If you've shared a raft with me on the American River, or let me tie my black tube to your raft, this goes out to you.
If you've enjoyed some crappy movie at the drive-ins with me, this is for you.
If I've done backflips with you, then you knew this was for you from the start.
If you've seen me cry in the locker room on any of my sports teams, this is for you.
If we've shared a shitty bottle of vodka, this is for you.
If we've made a late night batch of Mac n Cheese together, this is for you.
If you've ridden in the Danger Ranger, this is for you.
If you've laughed at one of my dumb jokes, not because it was funny, but because I can't keep a straight face, then this is for you.
I'm almost worried that this won't encompass enough people, and leave some wondering if they fit into this. But then I remembered that I mentioned people who I've shared a shitty bottle of vodka with, so I think that pretty much sums it up.
Really, if you've read this far, then this is for you.
I mean it.
As much as I like to pretend that I'm my own person and owe nothing to those around me, it simply isn't true.
Your life is not your own, others have a stake in it and depend on you, whether you accept it or not, and they deserve some recognition.
Caring is a two way street, one with multiple investors who count their profits in terms of your happiness.
That might be the most important breakthrough I've ever made.
Love feels good. Thank you.
