A toast to birthdays past and present

Last year, my 30th birthday fell on a Saturday. This was great planning on my parents’ part. My mom threw a party for me on a boat that slowly circled a bit of water around Long Beach. I was deliriously ecstatic, because fifty of my family and friends came aboard, many of whom I hadn’t seen in some time, and such occasions, with everyone together, are far and few between. It was exhausting, but I had a wonderful time, and I believe so did everyone else. My thanks to them for attending, be it a year later. I love you all.
This year, in contrast, I had a wonderfully relaxed birthday. Sunday was spent with a small group of friends, and was made particularly special by the efforts of Katherine and her folks. They have been very, very kind to me, in so many ways, and my birthday was no exception. Katherine, you are warm and generous, and your family is constantly surprising me by their own warmth and generosity. So here is a note of my gratitude. Thank you for making me feel so welcome. Thank you for being so kind.