Imaginative
Leader
Life Coach
Insightful
Encourager
Happy 50th Birthday, Willie!
From all of us at MasonBaronet
Saturday, October 31, 2009
From MasonBaronet
Whimsical
Imaginative
Leader
Life Coach
Insightful
Encourager
Happy 50th Birthday, Willie!
From all of us at MasonBaronet
Imaginative
Leader
Life Coach
Insightful
Encourager
Happy 50th Birthday, Willie!
From all of us at MasonBaronet
Thursday, October 22, 2009
From Marc Pelletier
I guess we got to know each other in 9th grade, as my memory of Willie before then is, well, non-existent. But I’m older than him by three days so I’ll just attribute that to my fading memory.
We sat together in the 9th grade band in 1973. Geeky clarinet players both, but in terms of true geekiness I had him beat by a mile; Coke-bottle glasses, clothes out of the ‘50’s, etc. At the mere mention of the word ‘Girl’ I would turn beet red. I embodied the definition of ‘Nerd’.
I can’t remember exactly when or how we officially met, or any meaningful conversations we may have had at 13 years of age. I think we had some classes together that year? For the life of me, I’ve forgotten most of my first two years in High School (‘geek-trauma’, no doubt). But we found friendship and liked each other pretty much from the start I think.
What I DO remember is…Bud.
The 9th grade band was where Willie was supposed to be. But not me--I was the better clarinetist. First chair all year (no, I DIDN’T date in High School thank you very much) and could sight read anything Mr. Kenney put in front of us. I had been mis-scheduled and had to sit through a year of remedial band. Willie got me through it. The word funny did/does not begin to describe Willie. We laughed and cut up every day. Looking back on it now just makes me giggle.
It all started when Willie fell in love with a jingle. Admittedly, it was an extremely catchy jingle, so much so that I can still recite the song today:
When you say Bud
You say a lot of things nobody else can say.
When you say Bud,
You say you care enough to only drink the King of Beers!
There is no other one.
There’s only something else.
Because the King of Beers
Is leading all the rest.
When you say BuddddWeiser,
You’ve said it all!
I can see now why this tune had such an effect on him. I mean, it was straight out of Madison Avenue. Hell, this musical event may have shaped his entire future. EVERYONE knew that song, but Willie wanted to--no, needed to--learn to play it. So he wrote to Anheuser-Busch.
I like to think that went down something like this:
Picture a young corporate executive at his desk in St. Louis. The beer business is booming. A-B has a 40% national market share and he has the CEO’s ear. His assistant brings him his mail and he unfolds a letter (neatly printed, because Willie has always been perfect) and begins to read.
To whom it may concern:
I really like your song and would really like to play it on my Clarinet. Can you send me the sheet music? By the way, the Clarinet is tuned to the key of b flat (the proper key would be helpful). I’ve enclosed a self addressed stamped envelope for your convenience.
Thank you for your time; I look forward to your prompt reply,
William Baronet
Lafayette Louisiana
Age 13
Well, a few weeks later Willie got his sheet music. And it was a very straightforward melody (you’re all humming it now, aren’t you?) with a killer bass line; perfect for a duet. So Willie and I practiced it; got pretty good at it, actually. Okay, we owned it.
But that wasn’t enough for Willie, being the born performer that he is. So one day in 1973 we (he) asked the Band Director (actually I think we got the Student Teacher in remedial band) if we could perform it for the class. And Willie and I (up to that time, a clarinetist of some reputation), in 1973/74 and probably all of 14 years old by that time, took the stage in the Lafayette High School auditorium and played our duet to our assembled band mates.
Today, I wonder if anyone that was there remembers our performance? And I wonder if our band director thought it humorous that two decidedly under-aged band geeks were promoting alcohol consumption? And I wonder if the young exec at A-B is still alive, and if he tells the story of how he single-handedly insured the growth of an entire industry? Hell, now that we’re 50, I wonder if either of us remembers which one of us played the killer bass line.
So after thirty-five-plus years we arrive at 50, three days apart. Our divergent paths have kept us going in different directions for many years, but we’ve found new ways to keep in touch. And though I missed the deadline (some things never change) for your Birthday blog, I wanted to let you know, Willie, that I smile every time I think of you, and I think of you every time I hear that melody.
As the song says, “When you say Bud, you’ve said a lot of things nobody else can say”. So true.
Love you, Bud…
We sat together in the 9th grade band in 1973. Geeky clarinet players both, but in terms of true geekiness I had him beat by a mile; Coke-bottle glasses, clothes out of the ‘50’s, etc. At the mere mention of the word ‘Girl’ I would turn beet red. I embodied the definition of ‘Nerd’.
I can’t remember exactly when or how we officially met, or any meaningful conversations we may have had at 13 years of age. I think we had some classes together that year? For the life of me, I’ve forgotten most of my first two years in High School (‘geek-trauma’, no doubt). But we found friendship and liked each other pretty much from the start I think.
What I DO remember is…Bud.
The 9th grade band was where Willie was supposed to be. But not me--I was the better clarinetist. First chair all year (no, I DIDN’T date in High School thank you very much) and could sight read anything Mr. Kenney put in front of us. I had been mis-scheduled and had to sit through a year of remedial band. Willie got me through it. The word funny did/does not begin to describe Willie. We laughed and cut up every day. Looking back on it now just makes me giggle.
It all started when Willie fell in love with a jingle. Admittedly, it was an extremely catchy jingle, so much so that I can still recite the song today:
When you say Bud
You say a lot of things nobody else can say.
When you say Bud,
You say you care enough to only drink the King of Beers!
There is no other one.
There’s only something else.
Because the King of Beers
Is leading all the rest.
When you say BuddddWeiser,
You’ve said it all!
I can see now why this tune had such an effect on him. I mean, it was straight out of Madison Avenue. Hell, this musical event may have shaped his entire future. EVERYONE knew that song, but Willie wanted to--no, needed to--learn to play it. So he wrote to Anheuser-Busch.
I like to think that went down something like this:
Picture a young corporate executive at his desk in St. Louis. The beer business is booming. A-B has a 40% national market share and he has the CEO’s ear. His assistant brings him his mail and he unfolds a letter (neatly printed, because Willie has always been perfect) and begins to read.
To whom it may concern:
I really like your song and would really like to play it on my Clarinet. Can you send me the sheet music? By the way, the Clarinet is tuned to the key of b flat (the proper key would be helpful). I’ve enclosed a self addressed stamped envelope for your convenience.
Thank you for your time; I look forward to your prompt reply,
William Baronet
Lafayette Louisiana
Age 13
Well, a few weeks later Willie got his sheet music. And it was a very straightforward melody (you’re all humming it now, aren’t you?) with a killer bass line; perfect for a duet. So Willie and I practiced it; got pretty good at it, actually. Okay, we owned it.
But that wasn’t enough for Willie, being the born performer that he is. So one day in 1973 we (he) asked the Band Director (actually I think we got the Student Teacher in remedial band) if we could perform it for the class. And Willie and I (up to that time, a clarinetist of some reputation), in 1973/74 and probably all of 14 years old by that time, took the stage in the Lafayette High School auditorium and played our duet to our assembled band mates.
Today, I wonder if anyone that was there remembers our performance? And I wonder if our band director thought it humorous that two decidedly under-aged band geeks were promoting alcohol consumption? And I wonder if the young exec at A-B is still alive, and if he tells the story of how he single-handedly insured the growth of an entire industry? Hell, now that we’re 50, I wonder if either of us remembers which one of us played the killer bass line.
So after thirty-five-plus years we arrive at 50, three days apart. Our divergent paths have kept us going in different directions for many years, but we’ve found new ways to keep in touch. And though I missed the deadline (some things never change) for your Birthday blog, I wanted to let you know, Willie, that I smile every time I think of you, and I think of you every time I hear that melody.
As the song says, “When you say Bud, you’ve said a lot of things nobody else can say”. So true.
Love you, Bud…
Saturday, October 17, 2009
From Gilberto & The Riojas Family
Willie, having known you for very few later years and seeing pics of your earlier ones, all I can say is that 1) you do not look 50 (not nearly) and 2) you definitely look better now!! (as all of us over 50 will claim...untruthfully on most of us though). All of these short years have been an honor my friend.
Muchas felicidades desde Mexico!!!
Muchas felicidades desde Mexico!!!
From Jim Guy
Willie,
You’ve been a very good person to get to know through basketball. Our playing together has been always been fun, and you’ve always been an easy person for me to play with.
Why? Because of three important things that you do very well.
First, you are the best person in the game at moving without the ball, and your moving makes it easy for me to pass to you.
Second, you catch what I throw you, and I know that that is not always easy.
Third, you make the shot after you make the catch on the highly questionable passers I throw you after you’ve moved to get open.
Passers need scorers.
You do all of the work, and I get credit for a nice pass.
Thanks for making me look good.
More than that, you’ve been a good friend, and a person that I’ve enjoyed getting to know.
Your commitment to helping Paul has been commendable and inspiring to the rest of us. It’s a long tough road, and we all need help to walk it.
That’s what being a good teammate is all about.
Thanks for always being a good teammate.
Jim
You’ve been a very good person to get to know through basketball. Our playing together has been always been fun, and you’ve always been an easy person for me to play with.
Why? Because of three important things that you do very well.
First, you are the best person in the game at moving without the ball, and your moving makes it easy for me to pass to you.
Second, you catch what I throw you, and I know that that is not always easy.
Third, you make the shot after you make the catch on the highly questionable passers I throw you after you’ve moved to get open.
Passers need scorers.
You do all of the work, and I get credit for a nice pass.
Thanks for making me look good.
More than that, you’ve been a good friend, and a person that I’ve enjoyed getting to know.
Your commitment to helping Paul has been commendable and inspiring to the rest of us. It’s a long tough road, and we all need help to walk it.
That’s what being a good teammate is all about.
Thanks for always being a good teammate.
Jim
From Mike Thompson
Willie,
In college I did an essay on aging and had to share this small piece with you on your special day:
"I am a young man and do not realize what will happen to me as I get older. However, I can visualize how I will have an impact on other people as I age. For me, age is simply the number of years a person has been able to bless this world with their presence."
Thank you so much for giving this world 50 years of your life. As you read this blog, see old faces and receive all the well wishes know that you have blessed them as much as you have blessed me by being here. I love you my brother, father, mentor and friend.
Happy Birthday.
Mike Thompson
In college I did an essay on aging and had to share this small piece with you on your special day:
"I am a young man and do not realize what will happen to me as I get older. However, I can visualize how I will have an impact on other people as I age. For me, age is simply the number of years a person has been able to bless this world with their presence."
Thank you so much for giving this world 50 years of your life. As you read this blog, see old faces and receive all the well wishes know that you have blessed them as much as you have blessed me by being here. I love you my brother, father, mentor and friend.
Happy Birthday.
Mike Thompson
From Ed Chassaing
17 October 2009
[btw, I know your birthday is next week, but this is when I’m sending this]
Willie…Will…William…
Names that have crossed my path my entire life, and have had the most positive effects on me.
The first “William” was ‘Uncle Bill’ my adoptive father. He met me when he and my Aunt were engaged and I was living in an orphan home, around 3 years old. I owe most of my upbringing and values to that William. Uncle Bill passed away in November of 1995.
The second “William” is my son, Willy, or how he has wanted to be called since his early teens, Will. I didn’t know I could love anyone as much as I did my daughter, Katie, since she captured my heart immediately after she was born and our relationship has continued to grow to this day. But to my amazing surprise, I found that I could love another every bit as much as I did my daughter, but this time it was my son, Willy. As I may have mentioned to you before, I cannot love anyone more than I love my son, Katie, but I cannot love anyone more than I love my son, Willy, either. It’s an unexplainable phenomenon, but it’s true…the loves are different, of course, because they’re different people, but they are both all-consuming and wonderful. Despite what good counselors may proclaim, and I don’t doubt their wisdom, I am unable to love anyone more than my children.
But I have found through this love of Katie and Will that I can in fact have other relationships that are every bit as heartfelt and deep and loving, even if they are not exactly the same. One of those has been fairly recent with my wife Lisa. I know we’ve all spent a little time together – you Tanya, Lisa and me –and we would definitely like to get back together again. As you have probably taught me as much as anyone, all loves are not equal, and of course not the same, but each is unique and fulfilling in its own way.
And of course, this note is not about me or the others whom I have come to love over the years, but to you, the third of the “Williams” who are so special to me (and forgive me, but I don’t remember if you are indeed a “William” officially, of if “Willie” is your given name). From the time that Tim introduced us – was it 1990? 1991? – I felt a strong connection and mutual respect that I had not experienced since I left the seminary in the late 70s. It’s so rare to find another mature, creative male figure that I can share a deep respect and loving friendship with. It’s not something that is typically expressed openly amongst heterosexual males in our society. But I do love you Willie, and I wish we could spend more regular time together.
How are your studies coming? Are you still developing your “personal / career development” business? When are we going to get back together again?
Well these are only a few of the dozens of things that we need to catch up on, but now we’re getting ready to celebrate your graduation into the AARP fraternity. Welcome…jump on in…the water’s cooler, but not freezing. Caution is a good rule to live by, as certain harsh realities become more clear: you’re still the best basketball player that I’ve had the fortune of teaming with and playing against on a regular basis, but I think the Lakers are going to stick with Kobe over the “next Michael” who performs weekly at Richland CC. But as you know, injuries are more painful and take longer to recover from, so please take it easy…at least easier.
In the end, when I try to describe the Willie that I’ve come to love so much as one of my dearest, albeit distant friends, I think of the a Jonathan Swift saying that I admire: “May you live all the days of your life.” Sounds simple, but I think so many of us, and this is definitely applies to me, simply exist…survive…struggle to make it through the present times, with the hope of something more fulfilling in the future. But the ‘present’ is the gift of life today, and there’s no way of knowing if any tomorrow will be better, or if we even get another tomorrow, so living each day to the fullest is our biggest challenge. And I can honestly say that you, Willie, are one of the people that I truly admire in this regard. You’ve lived your life, regardless of the challenges or barriers, to the fullest of anyone I’ve known.
And as we celebrate this milestone birthday, I look forward to hearing about your plans to live the next 50 years!
With all my love…Ed
[btw, I know your birthday is next week, but this is when I’m sending this]
Willie…Will…William…
Names that have crossed my path my entire life, and have had the most positive effects on me.
The first “William” was ‘Uncle Bill’ my adoptive father. He met me when he and my Aunt were engaged and I was living in an orphan home, around 3 years old. I owe most of my upbringing and values to that William. Uncle Bill passed away in November of 1995.
The second “William” is my son, Willy, or how he has wanted to be called since his early teens, Will. I didn’t know I could love anyone as much as I did my daughter, Katie, since she captured my heart immediately after she was born and our relationship has continued to grow to this day. But to my amazing surprise, I found that I could love another every bit as much as I did my daughter, but this time it was my son, Willy. As I may have mentioned to you before, I cannot love anyone more than I love my son, Katie, but I cannot love anyone more than I love my son, Willy, either. It’s an unexplainable phenomenon, but it’s true…the loves are different, of course, because they’re different people, but they are both all-consuming and wonderful. Despite what good counselors may proclaim, and I don’t doubt their wisdom, I am unable to love anyone more than my children.
But I have found through this love of Katie and Will that I can in fact have other relationships that are every bit as heartfelt and deep and loving, even if they are not exactly the same. One of those has been fairly recent with my wife Lisa. I know we’ve all spent a little time together – you Tanya, Lisa and me –and we would definitely like to get back together again. As you have probably taught me as much as anyone, all loves are not equal, and of course not the same, but each is unique and fulfilling in its own way.
And of course, this note is not about me or the others whom I have come to love over the years, but to you, the third of the “Williams” who are so special to me (and forgive me, but I don’t remember if you are indeed a “William” officially, of if “Willie” is your given name). From the time that Tim introduced us – was it 1990? 1991? – I felt a strong connection and mutual respect that I had not experienced since I left the seminary in the late 70s. It’s so rare to find another mature, creative male figure that I can share a deep respect and loving friendship with. It’s not something that is typically expressed openly amongst heterosexual males in our society. But I do love you Willie, and I wish we could spend more regular time together.
How are your studies coming? Are you still developing your “personal / career development” business? When are we going to get back together again?
Well these are only a few of the dozens of things that we need to catch up on, but now we’re getting ready to celebrate your graduation into the AARP fraternity. Welcome…jump on in…the water’s cooler, but not freezing. Caution is a good rule to live by, as certain harsh realities become more clear: you’re still the best basketball player that I’ve had the fortune of teaming with and playing against on a regular basis, but I think the Lakers are going to stick with Kobe over the “next Michael” who performs weekly at Richland CC. But as you know, injuries are more painful and take longer to recover from, so please take it easy…at least easier.
In the end, when I try to describe the Willie that I’ve come to love so much as one of my dearest, albeit distant friends, I think of the a Jonathan Swift saying that I admire: “May you live all the days of your life.” Sounds simple, but I think so many of us, and this is definitely applies to me, simply exist…survive…struggle to make it through the present times, with the hope of something more fulfilling in the future. But the ‘present’ is the gift of life today, and there’s no way of knowing if any tomorrow will be better, or if we even get another tomorrow, so living each day to the fullest is our biggest challenge. And I can honestly say that you, Willie, are one of the people that I truly admire in this regard. You’ve lived your life, regardless of the challenges or barriers, to the fullest of anyone I’ve known.
And as we celebrate this milestone birthday, I look forward to hearing about your plans to live the next 50 years!
With all my love…Ed
From Danny Willhite
Wilson T-Noon Baronet,
Words are not enough to express how I feel about you (but I think this photo pretty much of sums it up!) :-)
How fortunate I've been to have you in my life for the last 31 years. You are truly my oldest friend (and I've known you longer than most people, too. ba-da-bump!)
It really is difficult to put into words what you mean to me. Who knew on that first day of college when we happened to sit next to each other that I had found one of my best companions on this journey called life. We've been through a lot since that day. We've struggled to share our deepest thoughts and deepest fears. You've been there for some of my happiest times and saddest moments. We've made each other laugh a lot and we've managed to hurt each other's feelings on a regular basis. Most importantly, though, you've always made the space for me to be me. And through it all, we're still the best of friends. You have been both a conduit to my past by staying in touch with so many people, places, and events that I would never have been able to keep up with on my own. And you've also been a guide to the future, leading me to experiences and knowledge that I'm not sure I would have found without you. You've been a great friend to me and countless others and you do it with such style and grace that you make it look effortless.
With much love brother,
Happy Birthday and Welcome to the Over 50 Club,
--Danny
Words are not enough to express how I feel about you (but I think this photo pretty much of sums it up!) :-)How fortunate I've been to have you in my life for the last 31 years. You are truly my oldest friend (and I've known you longer than most people, too. ba-da-bump!)
It really is difficult to put into words what you mean to me. Who knew on that first day of college when we happened to sit next to each other that I had found one of my best companions on this journey called life. We've been through a lot since that day. We've struggled to share our deepest thoughts and deepest fears. You've been there for some of my happiest times and saddest moments. We've made each other laugh a lot and we've managed to hurt each other's feelings on a regular basis. Most importantly, though, you've always made the space for me to be me. And through it all, we're still the best of friends. You have been both a conduit to my past by staying in touch with so many people, places, and events that I would never have been able to keep up with on my own. And you've also been a guide to the future, leading me to experiences and knowledge that I'm not sure I would have found without you. You've been a great friend to me and countless others and you do it with such style and grace that you make it look effortless.
With much love brother,
Happy Birthday and Welcome to the Over 50 Club,
--Danny
From Anne Miano
10 things historians 50 years from now will conclude about Willie Baronet after reading archives of his blog.
- He never discovered lined paper.
- He spent all day online.
- He loved spitting.
- He wrestled with turning the corner, which would both bring him salvation and take him out of his comfort zone.
- He couldn’t draw eyes.
- He didn’t realize that hairballs contain more vomit than hair.
- He had nothing going on in September 2005
- He had everything going on in September 2005
- He did drawings Saturday through Thursday, and illustrations on Fridays.
- He liked boobs.
Happy Birthday, Willie, you wonderful man.
From Candace Jaworski
This is an assignment Willie gave me at Syracuse. The answers in purple are me completing the assignment – FINALLY! The markups are in true account style as that’s the side of the fence I sit on these days. Fortunately I still have a little designer in me and was able to put this together. It’s not much, but I hope it brings a smile to his face.
From Beryt and Adam Nisenson
So--- We've finally decided to move your birthday message from our "to do" list to our "ta da" list. Thanks, Willie-- for "ta da's" and the MANY other invaluable gems you offered to us both while on our journey at Active Imagination, and after. You are an amazing cheerleader and an inspiration to many. As clients and friends, we are grateful to have been a part of your 50 years.
Since you always had an uncanny knack for showing up at our office when it was birthday cake time.... really, how did you do that????... it's only fitting that we celebrate your birthday with you.
Happy 50th to you, Willie-- and many, many, many, many more!
Since you always had an uncanny knack for showing up at our office when it was birthday cake time.... really, how did you do that????... it's only fitting that we celebrate your birthday with you.
Happy 50th to you, Willie-- and many, many, many, many more!
From Richard Zeid
Willie Baronet
A man that should be cherished
A true and dear soul
A man that should be cherished
A true and dear soul
Willie and I never laughed SO HARD together, for days! And even now when we see this photo.......
From Beth & Lynn Noack
Christmas 2008, Willie and Tanya blessed us with their presence for Christmas; this picture is from that Holiday. Lynn and I love Tanya like a daughter and that makes Willie our Son-In-Law. We wish him the best in the next 50 years and we know he’ll have them because he has Tanya Jo.
We love you BOTH so much, Happy Birthday Willie.
We love you BOTH so much, Happy Birthday Willie.
From Michael Bailey
Cheetah-Boy!
I remember the first time I met you - a circle in North Dallas in some apartment complex community room. You walked in looking all hippy-like with long hair - was that a MULLET? This intrigued me, I mean it wasn't the 60's (HIPPY) or 80's (MULLET) so were you somewhere lost in time or what???
I remember the next time I met you, my first staff weekend. You were bigger than life. The Big Man on Campus - and I was the geeky freshman. I remember hiding and I remember calling you out. Standing among the stones, asking to be seen, to be accepted, to be loved. That was hard and you made it easier.
I remember seeing my eldest son half-embrace you the first time - and you grab a hold of him, telling him, "Come-on dude, give me a HUG!" I watched him do it, my son who is reticent with physical emotion. And each time I see him "really" hug you, I think a little bit of healing happens.
I see you stand in front of men and love them. I see you walk gently but firmly among men and women. I see this energy of listening and wisdom. I see this honoring of people around you - honoring not so much with words, but with simple attention. I see this and realize, I want to be more like this, like you.
I am blessed to know you as are my sons. We love you, even if you are fucking OLD!
Michael Bailey
I remember the first time I met you - a circle in North Dallas in some apartment complex community room. You walked in looking all hippy-like with long hair - was that a MULLET? This intrigued me, I mean it wasn't the 60's (HIPPY) or 80's (MULLET) so were you somewhere lost in time or what???
I remember the next time I met you, my first staff weekend. You were bigger than life. The Big Man on Campus - and I was the geeky freshman. I remember hiding and I remember calling you out. Standing among the stones, asking to be seen, to be accepted, to be loved. That was hard and you made it easier.
I remember seeing my eldest son half-embrace you the first time - and you grab a hold of him, telling him, "Come-on dude, give me a HUG!" I watched him do it, my son who is reticent with physical emotion. And each time I see him "really" hug you, I think a little bit of healing happens.
I see you stand in front of men and love them. I see you walk gently but firmly among men and women. I see this energy of listening and wisdom. I see this honoring of people around you - honoring not so much with words, but with simple attention. I see this and realize, I want to be more like this, like you.
I am blessed to know you as are my sons. We love you, even if you are fucking OLD!
Michael Bailey
From Frank Miller
Happy Birthday Willie,
Our paths have crossed many times over the past ten years, but never so poignantly as in March of 08 when I was facing the darkest time of my life and you were there to help hold me up. I am proud and honored to call you friend. At fifty your light grows ever brighter – let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Live like your hair is on fire!
Your brother,
Loon
Our paths have crossed many times over the past ten years, but never so poignantly as in March of 08 when I was facing the darkest time of my life and you were there to help hold me up. I am proud and honored to call you friend. At fifty your light grows ever brighter – let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Live like your hair is on fire!
Your brother,
Loon
From Sandy Aycock
Willie – I love you as a brother and trust you as a father -- happy birthday son, and many blessings!
Sandy
Sandy
From Tim Chumley
Willie (aka Homey, Bro, Penis, Homeslice, Duder, Beeyotch)-
Twelve years. That's the number I always come back to when I think about how long you've been my dearest friend. It seems like I'm stuck on that number – in part because I'm lazy and don't want to do the math, and in part because it's hard for me to grasp that our friendship has lasted longer than that.
But it has. From 1991 to 2009 – that's 18 years. And I have to say you look much older.
Leaving Dallas on December 5, 1993, I was uncertain about my future. And I was uncertain about the future of our friendship. I moved a lot as a kid, and my history was to leave everything behind and start over.
But that didn't happen with you. You are the exception. And you continue to be the exception in many, many ways.
Eighteen years don't pass without a lot of change. Divorces for both of us (Willie 2, Tim 1). Friends and family went away. A broken nose (not that anyone can tell – no, really). A business sold, a decade of teaching relinquished. Houses, cars, pets, companions, friends. ManKind Project.
That's a lot of change. A sea of change. Two things have endured during that time, for me: my sons, and you.
Not that we haven't changed along the way: weight (me, mostly), hair (both style and quantity), attitude, maturity (you mostly), jump shot percentage (me, higher).
You play many roles in my life: brother, teacher, friend, mentor, patient listener, jackass, artistic critic and catalyst, technology suck, introducer to many things. But mostly, friend. My dear, dear loving, caring, generous, smart, creative, compassionate enormous-hearted friend.
So you're 50, bitch. I don't know what that means – to be honest, nothing, I suspect – but if I had to put something out there I'd say it means we have another 35, 40 years to do what we do: compulsively watch the tv show of the moment (maybe Arrested Development will return in 2035), eat embarrassing amounts of sushi, argue about literally anything, bless each other, push each other, encourage each other, and do another 60 mkp weekends. But mostly just continue being the richest of friends for each other.
I love you, brother.
-Tim
P.S. – I'm glad I was able to complete this note without mentioning how you unceremoniously forced me out of Steve's office so many years ago, leaving me virtually homeless. I just didn't need to bring it up. I've moved on. Clearly.
Twelve years. That's the number I always come back to when I think about how long you've been my dearest friend. It seems like I'm stuck on that number – in part because I'm lazy and don't want to do the math, and in part because it's hard for me to grasp that our friendship has lasted longer than that.
But it has. From 1991 to 2009 – that's 18 years. And I have to say you look much older.
Leaving Dallas on December 5, 1993, I was uncertain about my future. And I was uncertain about the future of our friendship. I moved a lot as a kid, and my history was to leave everything behind and start over.
But that didn't happen with you. You are the exception. And you continue to be the exception in many, many ways.
Eighteen years don't pass without a lot of change. Divorces for both of us (Willie 2, Tim 1). Friends and family went away. A broken nose (not that anyone can tell – no, really). A business sold, a decade of teaching relinquished. Houses, cars, pets, companions, friends. ManKind Project.
That's a lot of change. A sea of change. Two things have endured during that time, for me: my sons, and you.
Not that we haven't changed along the way: weight (me, mostly), hair (both style and quantity), attitude, maturity (you mostly), jump shot percentage (me, higher).
You play many roles in my life: brother, teacher, friend, mentor, patient listener, jackass, artistic critic and catalyst, technology suck, introducer to many things. But mostly, friend. My dear, dear loving, caring, generous, smart, creative, compassionate enormous-hearted friend.
So you're 50, bitch. I don't know what that means – to be honest, nothing, I suspect – but if I had to put something out there I'd say it means we have another 35, 40 years to do what we do: compulsively watch the tv show of the moment (maybe Arrested Development will return in 2035), eat embarrassing amounts of sushi, argue about literally anything, bless each other, push each other, encourage each other, and do another 60 mkp weekends. But mostly just continue being the richest of friends for each other.
I love you, brother.
-Tim
P.S. – I'm glad I was able to complete this note without mentioning how you unceremoniously forced me out of Steve's office so many years ago, leaving me virtually homeless. I just didn't need to bring it up. I've moved on. Clearly.
From Kevin Prejean
Your Fiddyness,
Sup? Sappnin? S'coop? S'cone?
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot is up? Over.
How come, becuz?
Half a century gone by and we still act the fool like a teenager.
Deal with it, world.
Have a great time, Homey. Sorry couldn't be there in person.
The true measure of a man is determined by the size of his stick.
Oark, Arkansas general store. That's right. Oark. Not a typo.
". . . and then there's Louisiana fresh sausage, never to be confused with that Brats crap . . ."
So Joey, do you like movies about gladiators?
Sorry, Allen. Gary insisted I send this one. Blame him.
Texas Mudbug Massacre
George, Lisa, Willie, Susan and that guy on the right.
Love you like a brother.
Kevin / YK / Spanky / Bona Fide Cheetah
Sup? Sappnin? S'coop? S'cone?
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot is up? Over.
How come, becuz?
Half a century gone by and we still act the fool like a teenager.
Deal with it, world.
Have a great time, Homey. Sorry couldn't be there in person.
The true measure of a man is determined by the size of his stick. 
Oark, Arkansas general store. That's right. Oark. Not a typo. 
". . . and then there's Louisiana fresh sausage, never to be confused with that Brats crap . . ." 
So Joey, do you like movies about gladiators? 
Sorry, Allen. Gary insisted I send this one. Blame him. 
Texas Mudbug Massacre 
George, Lisa, Willie, Susan and that guy on the right. Love you like a brother.
Kevin / YK / Spanky / Bona Fide Cheetah
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