It's My Birthday and I'll Thank You if I Want To!

My birthday always reminds me of the things I have to be thankful for. Whether it's the freedoms I enjoy, insights I've gained, friends I've made, peace of mind I've learned to find, or the wonderful jobs and clients I've had, I am eternally grateful to the powers that be that have seen fit to allow me to exercise my talents and learn from my mistakes. Oh, and let's not forget my family and all of the wonderful friends and colleagues I've made along the way.

Tradition states that we are to receive gifts on our birthday, which of course isn't half bad; but I'm of the opinion that on my birthday I should thank the people I value, look up to, and/or have learned something from. With that very simple thought in mind, please know that on this, my original date of birth, I give thanks to all of the people who have allowed me to be a part of their lives, including (all the people who made my latest trip around the sun another great one)...

...my entire family (but especially my Mother and Brother), Jerry C., Joe K., Erin A., Mike & Maggie Moore, Melissa R., Matt H., Ford C., Rod W., Robb D., Scott T., Luke S., Christoph & Bee, Kate R., Fred, Martin & Boma, Kimberly C., Bradley W., Stewart G., Erika & JJ G., Darleen D., Julie F., Rob & Kimberly V., Lee McD, Dave M., Irene L., Lisa, L., Howard & Susan L., Isaac A., Steve & Shelly G., Don & Mary S., Howard G., Bob W., Nick K., Bobby M., AJ G., Frank & Susan K., Mary P., Shelia H., Scott & Jay, Juli B., David S., Howard C., Mark H., Roland S., Emory & Kathleen F., Richard T., Anne-Marie S., Mike Santa L., Clark W., Dan H., Roman M., Lucy D., Scott B., Nina K., Elizabeth LAL, Tyson W., Ken & Jan, Keith H., Lisa W., Abby W., Mikey V, Erik S., Majorie M., Dave S., Anna C., Shiladitya P, Kandee DW., Ruben C., Steve L., David T., Paul B., Ron & Rebecca R&B., Bryce O., Kristin D., Stefan G., Bobby B., Stephanie C., Patricia C., Todd K., Paul C., David & Arlene B., D. Lee, Kim K., Julie M., Niko & Vicki, Farrell S., Debra O., Jeremy H., Buck T., Mike G., Big Daddy Rick, Sharon A., Jake S., Blaine N., Jared S., Lilette S., Travis W., Moyo, Howard W., Adrienne W., Ryan Z., Josh D., Brian D., McGyver, Amy C., Nicole B., David F., Megan R., Jennifer M., Robert M., Susan S., Meagen R., Elaine K., and Stu & Meadow L. (along with a bunch of other great people I'm sure I've missed).

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I truly believe that we are a part of all of those who have touched us, and I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for making me a part of your life and for touching mine on a daily basis by just being who you are.

I can't believe I ate the whole thing... 44 years and counting... Thanks Mom!

Posted by Mikal at September 19, 2009 6:11 AM | TrackBack

You are an amazing human being, Mikal! Happy Birthday!

Posted by: Lilette Smith at September 19, 2009 11:21 AM

People like you are few and far between. And no matter what all those people in your list say about you, I still think you're a great guy :D

It's been an honor for me to have had the opportunity to work for you and with you. I still remember, before I had ever met you, mentioning you to the certain founders of a certain company (because I had stumbled across your blog and saw that you knew them) and them telling me that you were, well, not on the same plane as most folks... i.e. you're a weirdo.

Knowing those guys like I do I gave them an odd look, considered the source, and figured you couldn't be too bad a guy if they liked you enough to refer to you as such.

And, even though I generally dislike all holidays, including birthdays... HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! My present to you is me not imitating Marilyn Monroe singing to JFK.

Posted by: Stu the Wise at September 29, 2009 11:22 AM

Lilette: Thanks for saying that. I really appreciate it (I have a lot of respect for you and your views, so coming from you... well, that makes my day).

Posted by: Mikal E. Belicove at September 29, 2009 3:36 PM

Stu: Wouldn't you know it... the only people to leave comments are the ones I forgot to mention. How embarrassing and thoughtless of me. I just added you and Meadow to the list -- you guys are pretty amazing people, I am lucky to have you in my life (even if I don't get to see you anymore). I have sincerely enjoyed working with you over the years and am way excited for what you have on the horizon. Thanks for the note here, and be well!

Posted by: Mikal E. Belicove at September 29, 2009 3:45 PM

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