Decade 3

Happy Birthday, Paul! This memory came to mind immediately when Laila told me about this special project. Laila had recently come into your life, but both of you had to go back to your jobs. I believe the woman who use to take care of Laila was unavailable for a short period of time and Char asked if I would come for a few days and take care of her. So I flew down and took care of Laila for about a week.  I so enjoyed that assignment! All went well until the time was coming up that I would return home. However, I came down with a nasty stomach flu and it was so bad that you had to drive me to a hotel. You were so kind and understanding even as I threw up just before I climbed in your car! You helped me get a room, and I spent the next 2 days in seclusion.  Then you came and got me and took me to the airport. Thank you!! You are so kind and sweet and we are happy to have you in our family. 

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            Sincerely, Kathy 

I can proudly say I’ve been a part of Decades 2, 3, 4 and Decade 5 with my friend Paul, although he will be the first to remind everyone that I’m much older than he is. He’s truly a friend for life. When we met in New York as teenagers,  Paul was super talented, good-looking, funny as hell and cool as a cucumber - all the things I wanted to be so I followed him around until we became friends. And friends we have stayed through all these years of living and working together on both coasts and growing up together.  Paul is probably the most SOLID person I know. You always know where you stand with Paul. He’s consistent, honest and loyal. He is exactly what you want in a friend.

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-Chris 

  “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.”
                                           - Muhammad Ali

Paul,

    If that above quote is true, then because of you I have learned a great deal. It is utterly bewildering to me that we’ve known each other for 30 years. Time seems to be slipping through our fingers. And yet we still feel twenty. In my heart and my mind our friendship is as fresh as it’s ever felt. Even if we look old as shit. Oh who am I kidding. Me way more than you. You seem to have taken a page from Dorian Gray.

    I truly am able to say I could never imagine a friend as supportive as you. Through these last 3 decades you have never ceased to be interested in my life. That is a rare thing. I mean that. Part of this may come from the fact that you don’t like to talk about yourself. But I think the main reason is because you truly care. People always talk about foxhole friends. Those that are there for you in emergencies or times of great need. You are that. In spades.  But more importantly you are here for me when things are good. That may seem easy and obvious. But it’s not. Thirty years of that support has contributed greatly to my personal growth. And I can’t thank you enough for that.

    As I’ve been thinking recently about 30 years of friendship, what’s been flashing in my mind most are our daughters. I write this part through tears my friend. There is truly almost nothing in this world that brings me joy like the bond of our two girls. Their deep connection to me is a continuation of the bond we formed thirty years ago. It makes me so happy to think that when we are gone our friendship will on in them. That is our legacy. There is really nothing more I could ask for. Except perhaps for you to shut it. Happy 50th jerk store.

I love you
P