so i did not forget your birthday ghassan (dad, not you, gus)
the world already knows how cool you are (please refer to archives) but i'm always surprised by how well we click - you're my best friend - and there are times, like yesterday, when i ramble to you and then realize that shit he's my dad and maybe i shouldn't be telling him what i'm telling him but you, you listen and i never shock you. and that shocks me sometimes! you know, we are too similar, me and you, but i want to be even more similar. you are my voice of reason, my voice of moderation amidst unreasonable and immoderate times. my pillar among pillars. i hope one day i can be your pillar.

you've made me laugh. oh my god have you made me laugh. i have yet to find a man with your sense of humour. they've come close, but not quite...

some children try to break away from their backgrounds, the confines of their homes, the thoughts that have been handed down to them. i have no such urge, no such desire. you've taught us to be free spirits, to think for ourselves, and now that i can do that (i think:)), i want this background, this way of thinking that is yours, and i'm proud, so utterly proud to have it.

so while it's still your birthday on this side of the world i wish you, my pillar of soft steel, a happy one.