Jland,
So here we are, it's your 32nd birthday (yes, you're still older) and of course, I miss you so much. But you knew that.
First and foremost I want you to know that everyone is celebrating for you on your special day. Ira and I are going out for a drink in your honor and I think I convinced him to get sushi with me, as I realized that you and I never actually had sushi together but you somehow wound up having sushi with pretty much everyone else, and everyone had a story to tell about it.
I was laughing so much the other day when I heard the story again about how you went out for all you can eat sushi and ate the equivalent of 10 large cups of rice, of course, in the midst of your obsession with personal training and physical fitness. You're the only person I know who actually takes the term "all you can eat" to a level that is ridiculous yet maintain such a clean, together, wonderfully intelligent exterior ... and manage to convince those around you that 10 large cups of rice is completely normal.
Things haven't been so easy lately but I am always thinking of you and I'm so happy that there are people in my life who remember you and tell me stories like that (or remember things alongside me about you) and even happier that there are people in my life who never knew you but allow me to talk to them about you, even some who remind me so much of you that I can't help but feel blessed.
I talk to your mom every once in awhile and she is just so strong and so patient and so candid, and so proud of you; so proud of the life you led and how you led it, even though it was way too short for any of us to take. I also have become close with Kira which is such a great little surprise for both of us (I know you can hardly believe it yourself...!)
I know you always feared long ago that no one really loved you but I hope now you know that you were more than loved. Not a day goes by without so many people constantly thinking of you and remembering you and loving you, so please always keep that close to you.
Happy 32nd birthday, Jeremy.
Always,
e.