If you were lucky, you had that friend who had the cool dad. Thats not to say your dad wasn't cool, just your friend's dad was different. I was lucky enough to have the friend with the cool dad. You know the one who you went to ball games with. The guy you could talk about things with and get such a different perspective. If you were REALLY lucky, he was also the guy you drank with.

Here I am sitting in Australia thinking about this man who passed so suddenly. Ran into him inadvertently just before I left for New Zealand. Its funny, that moment is crystal clear, like a different part of me has been functioning since I left NYC. I have so many wonderful memories of spending times in this man's house, with my friend and his family. I spent so much time there growing up I used to threaten my own parents with adoption proceedings. Those days are long gone but remain with you as part of the tapestry of life. I didn't think that there was anything that could make me want to be back in NYC, I was wrong. I don't need to be there to comfort my friends. There are plenty of people up to that task. I just feel that I should be there to celebrate this mans life, to add just a little bit more to the stories that everyone will be sharing in remembrance.

So whoever you are reading this, whenever and wherever you might be, do me a favor and raise a glass to Simi, he deserves it . . trust me on this. A nice single malt, neat!