In Celebration of Leo's 18th Birthday, He Wore a Tuxedo Shirt and His Sister Amy Made Him the Most Incredible Memory Book

So, there was a pause this Saturday to celebrate Leo's 60th, not 18th, birthday, but he did wear a pink Tuxedo shirt. This is weekend two for the guy, but this week was for friends, some tequila, awesome food, and great company. His sister made a book of 60 years for memories and it was one of the most touching, amazing compilations I've ever seen. 6 decades of photographs, letters, joy, celebrations, family, friends, and appreciation.

I wrote, 

Dear Leo,

How did they know?

Every time I think about you, Mustapha, and Abu at Lassie’s that night I crack up. How did they know? Perfect line, perfect time, perfect meal, perfect friendship.

As I recall my first memories with you, I simply remember meeting out for karaoke one night, then the evening after I defended my doctorate when Lois, Pam, you, Bev, and I met at Lassie’s (How did they know?) to celebrate. Lois initiated the dinner - it turns out Lois and Pam were sisters. Who knew? The rest is history.

It moves rather quickly, actually - zip zap zoom, the summer soiree of 2014 when Kai got a vaporizer for your home and one thing led to another, and suddenly there was a pool full of Cheetos, a Mystery Machine full of smoke, and a pink flamingo on Walnut Beach. I’m not sure if we were celebrating Pam’s 12th birthday or not, but it was an absolute riot...one of those rare, spontaneous moments in life when everyone lives freely, relaxes and lets go at the same exact time. A beautiful harmony.

Then came Book of Mormon. Then came Scary Pockets. Then came Hamilton.
Music always at the heart of it all. That’s what united us, actually....that, and moon

cycles, tequila, and a desire to have fun whenever we can.

Ah, but it’s more than that, too. On several occasions I’ve simply needed a big brother to talk parenting with or a spiritual guide to talk about God or a handy man to help me move into a new home. Really, I’ve just needed a friend, and that’s who you quickly came to be...someone I looked up to, laughed with, and enjoyed talking to...

... nothing better than sitting by a fire in conversation...

You are at the epicenter for my Connecticut joy... a man who connects with people to pull out their happiness. That is an art form, indeed - Happy 60th birthday good friend. I am more than certain we will be celebrating very, very soon. 60 shots for Bev! 60 pieces of cake. 60 songs still to be sung. It’s on.

~Bry

My day ended with his awesome and began with a prompt from EthicalELA #verselove where a trait or idea was to be personified. I chose Hope, and wrote my friend Susan into the metaphor. 

Happy Sunday, everyone. I hope all is calm and beautiful in your world.