Forever Young

Hello everyone. I know it has been a while; but how have you all been? I have to say that things have been going rather well here in the Sugarhood. Gone on some trips, had some lobster, watched some Cake and Vampire Weekend, watched my alma mater go to the 12PAC or PAC12, but more importantly; I got engaged.

Yeah, crazy right? In Grand Central Terminal, with the place packed full of people, I got down on one knee. I asked a question and the answer was yes. Now, you're probably wondering if I'll go into more details about the anxiety, the stress, the fear of losing the ring in NYC and more; another time.

I thought as I am staring down the last moments of my twenties; I would write the last decade a goodbye letter.

------------------------------------------------------

Dear twenties,

Man, have we been through some crazy shit over the years? I mean, the predicaments we found ourself in over the past 10 years and the stories to tell will be timeless. I have been recounting the memories over a glass of 18yr old Glenfiddich and it is so different than what I drank in 2000 (which isn't a bad thing).

I don't want you to take this the wrong way; but I think I'm ready, whether I like it or not, to move on to my thirties. I am going to miss the college parties, the drinking until 3am and passing out on the lawn, the stories that all started with 'no shit there I was', my nephew being born, Tahoe, Seattle, New York, Boston, Maine and much more. I really will. But, I have to say that I look at where I stand today and where I stood 10 years ago and I haven't been happier. I've never been more comfortable in my own skin.

This time 10 years ago; you're parents kicked you out of the house to live at the U. They saw that I wanted to grow up so fast, graduate college and get a job. My mom kept telling me to slow down and enjoy where you were. I thought they were crazy.

In the immortal words of Yoda "All his life has he looked away—to the future, to the horizon. Never his mind on where he was—what he was doing." The irony behind that quote was when I watched that when I was around 24 or 25; I watched it and it all made sense.

My parents couldn't have been more right. Because I found many of the friends that will be there for all of the ups and downs for the years to come. Plus, we'll always have those stories from college; starting a fraternity, student government, driving 'Vince' around campus and late nights hanging out at the 5th hole at the U. But just as those next three years of college were some of the best of our life; they pale in comparison to what lays ahead. That is why I'm ready to move on to the thirties.

I learned a lot in life, friends, family and love and not always the easy way. But I made it through to the other side finally knowing who I am, what I want and where I want to be.

I know you're asking why am I so excited to jump to something else. I can't tell you what is going happen in my thirties. One thing is for certain though; the best has yet to come. We've only scratched the surface on what is in store and because of that I am more optimistic on this birthday than I have been at any point in my life. I'm not old, I'm not breaking down, I'm only hitting my stride. I know this is true for not only me; but all of my friends around me.

Don't be too down twenties, you helped me find surround myself with great friends who've been there when I've been up, down or side to side. Granted we haven't always seen eye to eye; but in the end we enjoy each others company and are there to support each other. And in the end isn't that what matters?

You also helped me gain a deeper respect and love for my family. I watched my nephew grow from a little burrito to a young Padawan. Not only that, but became closer to my sister than I've ever been. I gained a deeper respect for my parents and what they went through to raise me.

And best part of my twenties has been the end of it. I found the person to spend those years with. She may never read this, she may never come across this in a link. But I can tell you that I unequivocally, without a doubt love Aura with all of my being. It took me 30 years to find her and I will fight like hell for the rest of my years to never lose her.

So twenties, we've had a great time. We really did. I hate to say goodbye. But, just know that I'll never forget you. I'll never underestimate the impact you had on where I am today. We left things on top and that is all you can ask for. Thanks for the memories.

Sincerely

Marcus