April is a special month for me because I am an April baby.

It’s also special because many people I love and that have been part of my life for a long time were born in the same month. Once April comes around, I am counting the days to my birthday and also making sure I don’t miss those that celebrate their birthday in the same month.

Before Google Calendar & Facebook Birthday’s

For some reason I have always been good at remembering birthdays. Before Google Calendar or Facebook reminding us it’s someone’s birthday, I would remember that on that particular day, it was someone’s birthday.

 

The One Birthday I never Forget

If you read my newsletter on Sunday, part of my childhood was spent in an area that had lots of crime and violence. (Subscribe to my newsletter here and I will send you a copy of the previous newsletter)

My closest friend from my childhood was Mauricio Carreño and we went through many complicated situations as kids. He was my buddy in a crime and drug war zone and we use to stick together to stay as safe as possible.

After an incident that happened where they killed two gang members at my school bus stop, my parents decided to drop me off at Mauricio’s house in the morning. At the ages of 10-12, we would walk over to his bus stop together on a corner that was a bit safer than my assigned bus stop.

In the morning we would play a game of Sega Genesis and hope the bus came early so we could make it early enough to get in a game or two of touch football before the bell rang.

Those days are in our memories and fomented a long lasting friendship with Mauricio.

Yearly Birthday Tradition

Every year its tradition to call my good friend Mauricio, one of the most talented Graphic Artists I know in New York City. Even if the conversation lasts 30 seconds, it means a lot to me to be able to chat with a childhood friend and know that he is doing well.

I hope my tradition lasts many more decades and I continue to keep in touch with Mauricio for as long as we are here on earth.

Simple Reminder For You

We are only here for a determined time and sometimes we think we are immortal.

Who do you feel you have not congratulated, saluted, or thanked in quite some time?

Why not take a few minutes now and write them a quick email, text message, or call them and let them know they mean something to you?

If you are here reading this, please say hi in the comments area (it only takes a few seconds trust me).

Just the fact that you are here means a lot to me and I want to thank you personally.

 Sunday Newsletter

If you don’t see me writing as much here on the blog that is because I am sharing my more intimate thoughts and best material over at my weekly newsletter. Feel free to subscribe.