Happy Third Angelversary

Hey brother -
Happy Angelversary!
It’s three years later, and it still feels weird writing to you like this. You have no idea how much I want to tell you this in person — even more for you to respond. Maybe we’d be chatting at lunch at the circus club (you’d get the steak caesar and I’d get the crab caesar — we think we’re so healthy). Or on the way to Equinox to shoot hoops (your car would be filled with half empty water bottles per usual). Ideally this conversation is had in Hawaii (we’re laying there with SPF 15 tanning oil on; we always bonded over our inability to tan).
Michael — I know you’ve experienced this last year with me, just not sure what the nature of the word “experience” means for you now. I imagine the color is brighter up there, touch is smoother, sound is more musical (I bet you Kesha is on repeat!).
You’ve been a part of so many experiences this year — let me tell you how.
Drumroll please……David and Deanna are engaged!!! I know, I know — you knew it would happen. You always did. We talked about how much we love Deanna / love Deanna as a match for David. Those feelings have only gotten stronger. I’m so proud of him. I know you are too.
Speaking of pride — Mom and Dad. Mom is the strongest woman I know. Not only did she raise serious money for the Foundation this year, and in doing so made a really powerful impact on adolescents struggling with their mental health, but also she continues to comfort me when no one else can. She lives with your guidance every day, dude. Now Dad — I know he’s your hero… he’s mine too. His approach to living is nothing short of inspiring, leading with his heart and motivating others to learn what fills them up. For Dad, it’s his family — just like it is for you. We’ve got pretty damn special role models and best friends.
Ready for something nuts?!? We’re all headed to Africa in a couple of days. We’ve been talking about it for as long as I can remember. A lot of me is sad you won’t be there in person, but I feel so close to you when it’s me, David, Mom, and Dad together — I know you’ll be there the whole time… Just thought about how scared you’d be of the animals hahaha. The look on your face would be too much.
Dude — your buddies are starting to get married — it’s crazy! Emily did one of the all time sweetest things and had a picture of you at her wedding. I lost it, but in the happiest way. Loved seeing you amongst your friends in photos from that night, even if your face was on a piece of photo paper surrounded by a silver frame.
Speaking of your buddies — Peter moved to NY. He’s teaching AP comp sci at a charter school. Michael, your friends are so touched by you. Also, Peter and I went out with a bang the weekend before he left. And by bang I mean headstands at the bar at 2am. I’ll stop there…
Picco misses you my man — Kelly takes us for pizza every time she comes home to visit — it’s still your and her place. She loves you dude, and whenever I’m around her, I feel your love big time. Time with Kelly continues to be a highlight of my year. Especially when pizza, espresso martinis, Reid, and hugs are involved.
Okay, now to the boring stuff… a lot of my year was defined by work… That said, you wouldn’t believe how awesome some of the people I work with are. So smart, great to learn from and to spend time with. What’s really on my mind? I wish we had chatted more about why you became a therapist. You gave up what others expected of you to do what made you happy. As I struggle with finding that same depth of introspection and truth, I wish you could pick up my calls more than ever.
You ready for this… David and I ran a marathon this year… I know — what were we thinking!. Believe it or not, you were the inspiration. Less so for the running — who am I kidding — no part inspiration in the running. Mostly the inspiration to bond with David one-on-one like this. The first run we had together was your angelversary last year.
The SteelMike Shootout was even better than last year (Matt and Lindsey killed it). More teams, more people there, more money raised… mom even ordered more cupcakes… Who knew that was possible! Most importantly, your legacy is more powerful than ever and is saving lives. Michael, I’m so proud of you.
Other big news from the year — Mom and Dad bought a place in Menlo Park! The neighborhood is so cute, man. Apparently Halloween is nuts — basically the Hunger Games Part 4. Kelly told me about your first Halloween in Oregon. Apparently you were so excited to hand out candy, that your mouth moved faster than your mind, and you accidently called one slightly overweight kid a “big boy”. Oh brother hahahaha. She said the look on his face was sadness, but yours was devastation. You are too funny.
One of the most special parts of my life right now is Jenny. You’d be so proud of me for this relationship; we both make each other better people. You know what else is special — her relationship with you. You met in person once for 5 minutes back in 2014. You were helping Mom find her phone charger… too classic! That said, the nature of your relationship is so much more. She’s gotten to know you through stories, the way family and friends talk about you, photos, videos, your writing… through watching the growth I’ve made as a person because of you. It’s given me hope that as years go by, and I add important people to my life, you will still be a part of that. My kids are going to love Uncle Michael so much. This means everything.
Just a few of the thousands of other things that reminded me of you this year: Face guy Jimmy G. Deer Valley. Max.The Middle by Zedd / Maren Morris. Your furniture in my apartment (it’s all over). Jenny Hernandez. Vegas (duh). Coachella (duh). Our cousins (and their kids). Menlo basketball (they were unreal this year). Coach Weems. Felix Grey glasses (you were so ahead of the trend). Holidays (especially christmas this year), instagram (#instagram). You are more present in my life than ever.
Brother to brother — I’m scared. I’m scared that I’ll start forgetting memories. I’ve been struggling with whether or not to write the memories down — knowing that it’ll help me remember them forever, but freaked out that it’ll limit our relationship to a word doc. Still thinking through what to do. Another moment where I’m missing your advice.
I want you to listen hard to this one, because I’m speaking from the deepest part of my heart, and this is important. I couldn’t be more proud to be your little brother. Every day, I thank God for the angel that’s looking down on us.
Happy Angelversary to my best friend. Love you.
-Richie