Happy Birthday Dave!
July 3, 2008Everyone has a person that has been intsturmental in their development. The fancy business books would call them a mentor, most people call them friends, little kids call them heroes, mine goes by a different name, David. My cousin, turns 33 today, and I wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday. Usually I’d call him on the phone, send a card and write an email, but since I now have the ability to plaster it all over the World Wide Wasteland, I will. So here’s a little bit as to why Dave is important to me, and how he’s always been there. Yes this could probably get sappy.
You were always there encouraging me, even when I didn’t have the skill or ability to hang with the older people. You would always pick me in a basketball game, touch football game, or board game as your teammate. Then you would bust your ass to make sure that we didn’t lose as to not disappoint me, but mostly yourself. Thank you.
There was never any hesitation on your part to let me stay up and watch movies, or play video games. This had to do with the fact that you were an only child, but I’m pretty sure you felt cool having a little guy look up to you. At no point did it ever get destructive, I loved the late night Taco Bell runs, that I would beg my mom to let me go on with you and your boys. I would always appreciate how often you would come to our house to chill. I’m sure there were reasons with that, perhaps that you weren’t comfortable in you own skin there at times, and Drummond Street became a little bit of a shelter. You know that my sister and I couldn’t wait until you’d show up, so that we could fight for your attention. Thank you.
You still let me bore you with baseball talk, even though you don’t really care. You do it because you know I love it and it makes me happy. Thank you.
I could always depend on getting at least one email from you a week in college. Most of them with Browns talk, but a little bit with a big brother ton to make sure I was doing ok, and that I wasn’t becoming an idiot. During that time, I really think you stop looking at me as a little kid, and more of a peer. Which is something that I’ve always fought for in our family, since I’m one of the youngest. Thank you.
You and Chris ruined my unbeaten streak in NBA Jam, because you wanted to make sure you both at triple doubles. That one stung a little, and I’m sure there is a lesson to learn about that, but I was 109-0 man…Thanks, I guess.
You told me about fantasy football/basekteball/sports-You taught me the importance of properly scouting out players for any form of fantasy draft that I play in. For some reason, I do it evey year, and I only win the Non-money leagues, but its something that has driven my passion for sports, and gives us something else to talk about and have fun with. Thanks.
You once gave me a Senior picture from high school that read like this: 1) Always listen to Rush 2) Always play baseketball 3) Don’t eat the yellow snow…Words to live by my man, words to live by. Thanks.
Dave has always been there to talk about “big” stuff in my life. He’s done most of it, so he never hesitates to dive into a problem and give me his opinion. As a 20 year old it was great to have someone else do the heavy lifting for me, but you’ve made me a better decision maker because of it, and I appreciate that. I hope that someday I can help you with an issue or problem. Thanks.
You introduced me to Dave Matthews Band. As well as an assortment of other amazing bands. Even though my sister always takes credit for it, I’m pretty sure that I bought the Under the Table and Dreaming cd before she did, and have seen them in concert more times. I’m not even sure if you like them anymore, but I own every cd for a reason, and your behind it. Thanks.
In the family Olympics, you made sure I was in an event, even though I was like 7 years old, that I had a shot at winning. I’m fairly sure that you and Uncle Tom made everyone let me win, but either way it meant a lot. Thanks.
Remember when I taught you how to pitch-You actually did fairly well.
Best man at my wedding. Thanks.
The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is that I have a lot to thank you for. I hope that on your birthday you get the time to do what you like the most, and realize how many people care about you. If I could change anything it would be that we all got to see each other more, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work out that way. Your wife Shannon is great, and I can’t wait to meet Katherine. Your an old fart, but I love you anyway.
Mentor, friend, confidant, hero and brother…Thanks.
Happy Birthday!
Posted by jfrank1529

