Blog Master G

At 31 today, I’m no longer a spring chicken, technically (I guess), but I still feel like one. My senior year at Vassar I took a contemporary media class taught by then executive editor of The Poughkeepsie Journal Meg Downey, who said to us on the last day of class, “The way you feel right now, the way you see yourself and the world — at 21 or 22 — is the way you’re going to feel the rest of your lives.” I like to think I’m smarter, more experienced, and more world-wise now, but what she said definitely resonated with me since I still feel basically like that same college senior, about to embark on this crazy life adventure that’s turned out (so far) better than I could’ve imagined. I think I’ll always be young at heart and still feel like I have as much energy, excitement, and enthusiasm about the world around me.

So today, on my birthday, I’d like to do a special shout out to my parents, who are obviously a big part of shaping me into who I am today. I couldn’t have asked for more loving, supportive, encouraging, positive, and enthusiastic parents as I’m lucky enough to have in my Mom and Dad. Given my Dad’s eloquence with words, I figured it’s only fitting to let him share in his own words an example of how much he and my Mom rock, always telling me that I can do anything I want in life and accomplish whatever I set my mind to do. It’s really true. So thank you, Mom and Dad, for being you, and for helping shape me into who I am today.

An excerpt from the birthday email from my Dad today:

You leave something good with everyone you know. I have never met anyone who is so universally loved and liked. You are wealthy beyond dreams with your assortment of friends. You bring passion, dedication, humor and wisdom to everything you tackle in life. Any mistakes I have ever made with you, I hope, can be forgiven as the gushing over-enthusiasm of a Dad who is prouder than words could ever explain. Mere mention of your name makes me burst with pride and love. Your Mom and I have loved you with all our hearts from the instant we saw you make your grand entrance into this world. Thank you, Tiger, for being everything and more than I ever expected from you. Thank you with all my heart for being such a good young man who has made such brilliant choices in life, with Jen being the diamond in your crown. Thank you for your brotherly love and fraternal friendship with Peter.

Thank you, Dad. And thank you, Mom. I love you both.

Of course, I would be remiss on this day where the emotions are flowing wide open not to mention my awesome wife, Jen, and little bro, Pete. I love you both, too. I feel really lucky to have such a great family and so many awesome friends across the country.

(Photo: Anderson Family 1983, Olan Mills)