A genuine heart felt thank you to all of those soldiers who gave their lives for this country. If they were killed in action after World War II, then thanks for the soldiers who’s lives were taken from them. I truly believe there is a difference but the losses are all just as significant and none any less brave than the other.I have been to Arlington once in my life and it is an amazing place. It does not matter what war/conflict is on the tombstone, it only matters that it was a young person who traded their future for us to have ours.

My grandfather served in WWII and came home safely from his Pacific rim missions. I don’t think he saw real action, but I have his medals and I am proud of his service. My father, who was born while his father was serving his country on the other side of the planet, was drafted for Vietnam, but his muscular dystrophy prevented him from going any further than reporting to his local office when called. A blessing in disguise when you consider the odds. My wife’s father and uncle served in the military(Navy and Air Force(?) during Vietnam but never saw real conflict.

If you or someone you know ever served in the United States military in any capacity, thank you.

Today is a very peculiar day for myself and people I know and are related to. I know 3 people who have today as their birthday. That’s right, 3.

I’ll start with the youngest, my baby sister. Although she’s not really a baby anymore at 31 years old and a married mom. We didn’t always get along during our teen years, but before then we were really close. We’ve since become closer in adulthood but the big problem is she lives way too far away. I really wish she lived closer and wasn’t moving even farther away sometime this year. That’s just life. I actually remember when she was born. I remember going to see her in the hospital and being amazed she brought me a gift. It was a Barry Manilow Greatest Hits record. Shut up, I was about to turn 3.

Last May I walked her down the aisle and read a letter our late father wrote before he passed. This year I held and fell in love with her baby girl born on Valentine’s Day. To you, my sister, I wish a very happy birthday.

The next birthday belongs to one of my best friends. I’ve known him for about 14 years now which is as long as I’ve been in Orlando. We met on the tennis court over a fun game of hockey in college. He kicked my ass but I’ve never been the best skater which is why I play goalie. We have worked together for the same company twice and currently share an office. He even worked with my wife once and I think he’s only had one job that wasn’t with myself or my wife since leaving college. Maybe two. Anyway, he was the best man in my wedding and will always be a friend I can count on for anything. Happy 32nd birthday tiger.

(Lucky for you I cannot find the pic of you holding my first born and all its awkward glory.)

The final birthday on this day belongs to my cousin. He is the same age I will be next month. When we were young kids we hung out a lot but once my family moved to Florida, it has been rare we get to see each other. The last time was at our grandmother’s funeral. This is actually too bad because he is a REALLY good competitive swimmer and could teach my girls better than I could. Happy birthday cuz.

Tomorrow, Thursday May 27 might be your best chance. As luck would have it I am playing at 7:45 tomorrow night. I play on the Sharks but I wear a different jersey that has a squirrel on it. I am number 89 and I play goalie. I play at RDV Sportsplex here, but turn on Keller and park in the lot shared with Sam Snead’s. Admission is free. We are playing a team I don’t like to play and have yet to beat. It is the playoffs but the outcome may not matter. We will likely play this same team next week in the championship game. If you’ve never been to a pro game, great! If you have, this is like watching one in slow motion but with people your age. I’ll be on the Pro rink in the back meaning you can sit on the glass or in the observation deck above. Maybe I’ll see you there.

** UPDATE ** We lost 7-5. I gave up 6 and they got an empty netter after a nice come back by us. Oh well. The good news is they need me for the summer season so I’ll continue to play which I’m very excited about. Summer time too usually brings earlier games so you may get a second chance.