I hope there are not 30 spankings with that...

My little brother turned 30 yesterday. An all weekend bash upon a yacht and a full out rental of a club downtown meant he welcomed Age 30 just like Thurston Howell, with a much better hat.  Hope your liver has recovered, brother. And I hope there are not 30 spankings to go with that soiree.

His beautiful Mom wanted to create a coffee table book for him comprised of a collection of letters from family and friends. It also includes pictures from across the span of his life including this beauty below which appears to be a photo of my cheerleading squad basically holding him against his will. 

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I was asked to write the introduction to this amazing book of love and adoration which I agreed to immediately as my little brother is a truly incredible person. And I believe the people you love should not only know you love them, but why you love them.

Today I am celebrating the day he was born with a standing ovation to the man he has become.
____

Dear HP:

The day you were born, I think of all of the lucky people who had not yet met you but would ultimately feel the benefit, and power, and love of having you in their lives. Wherever you go, you create a string of connectivity (and a whirlwind of fun) that makes people want to be a part of your sphere, your light, and your world.  You have one of the most generous spirits, and there is not a friend in your life that questions the lengths you would go to to help someone you care about whether that means a ride to the airport, hosting a baby shower, or packing them up and moving them across the country. And we can all name more than one occasion you listened to each of us talk, vent, share, or worry and one of your first questions has always been: What can I do to help?

And you have a sass and a spirit to you that make you one of the most entertaining people we know, with an awesome sense of humor,  and the one we always want to sit next to at the party. (Especially if that party is on a Disco Bus.) Oh, we love your stories. All of us have a favorite, which is usually the one we witnessed as it went down.

And you are strong. You have a pretty incredible sense of perserverance and tenacity for someone just turning 30. You have really made an amazing life and career for yourself and the most incredible aspect of it is, there is still so much ahead for you.  You have excelled in everything you have set as a goal for yourself and someday we may all need to come for you for a job.

And let us not forget to include your gorgeous sense of style. Banana Republic should hire you not only as their Vice President of PR, but also as a poster boy.

This is such a significant day for you. Marking just a portion of your life and I hope you truly have a sense of pride in every mental snapshot that fills up your portfolio of life experiences. And thank you. Thank you for making room for all of us to enjoy the party, enjoy the show, and enjoy the experience that is being a part of your life. Everyone whose life you touch is lucky.

And not just today but everyday, you have a giant group of people in your corner. Your biggest fan club. Your rooting section. And I hope when you think about your life, whether on a trip to Mexico, doing a presentation and landing another account, or while standing on that dance floor doing that pop-hip-snap in front of the giant fan, you know you are loved.

And bravo to you, because you are your absolute best work so far.

On behalf of your entire family and all of your friends,
We love you,
Your sister