Around this time each year, I express feelings of gratitude for my family, friends, and acquaintances because Memorial Day Weekend is the “anniversary” of the accident that changed my life forever.  I feel particularly thankful this year.  I cannot truly express the sincere appreciation that I feel for the people that have touched my life in the days, months, and years after the accident in May of 2005.

My family is incredible.  My mom and dad are the best in the world.  The aunts, uncles, and friends of the family showed more love than I could ever expect or deserve.  I cannot imagine the grief and anxiety that I caused you when I decided to take a header off a 30 ft. bridge.  Your infinite love and patience are remarkable.  During the difficult stages of recovery, law school, or work, your support enables me to persevere.

Bridge, you are the best.  I am extremely lucky that my sister is as loving, caring, and cool as you.  You have become a best friend.

I have the absolute greatest group of friends in the world.  I will never forget the folks, who, religiously, came to HUP, Bryn Mawr Rehab, or the basement of my parents’ house to visit me.  Words cannot describe how lucky I am to maintain friendships from grade school, high school, college, Sea Isle, and beyond.  Your presence allowed me to focus on better times and feelings.  Without you, I certainly would not have achieved such awesome recovery.

At this point, I want to apologize.  I am sorry that I have allowed life to distract me from keeping in touch with some of you.  Please know that, despite new relationships, neighborhoods, friends, jobs, etc., the friendship you have shown to me is not and will never be forgotten.

So, thank you all so much.  If you are reading this, our lives have crossed paths at some point.  If I was or am someone that you’d call a friend, I appreciate you.