Cambridge, MA circa 1989

Hey kid,

This photograph sums up so much about those dark years. So many reference points from the Winthrop Street sign, to the man?s XL sweatshirt, to the heavy storm clouds that seem to color all my memories. And yet, look at you. Look at that smile.

I now live a simple car ride from where you stand and yet, there are whole countries, entire universes, spinning galaxies between you and me. Trippy doesn?t begin to describe it.

It?s not often that I dig out old photographs or spend any time thinking about the distance traveled, I?m generally too much in the moment to get tangled in the past, but tomorrow is a milestone of sorts. It may well be the midpoint of my life, who knows, and that kind of event lends itself to maudlin displays of sentimental rumination.

And that?s why I was so glad to find this photo of you. Because I know exactly what you would say to such a pail of stinking rosewater: pitch it. And what you would say to holding on to an old photograph: ditch it. And how you would walk into this life of mine and take a look around and say, ?oh baby? totally bitchin!?

Happy Birthday, kid?

P.S. Good move on blocking the 80?s hair from view. That was freaking prescient.

got 2 cents?