So one of the greatest men I know, who saves children's lives for a living and has taught thousands of young docs to do the same, turns 60 today. Although charming and welcoming, he once took a psych test which scored him a classic introvert. He loves his close family and friends, but in social settings gets sweaty hands, it seems.
Still, he decided to host a birthday dinner Saturday night, and it was wonderful. Our house guest Allison was here with her many special needs dog, helping Wifey declutter and organize, and when Norman arrived for the carpool up to Aven-torture, as Allison calls the very crowded NE Village, I texted Norman that Wifey had been undergoing some surgery lately, and then I brought out Allison instead of Wifey. I try to be a funny guy.
Norman's wife is off in Europe yoga-ing, and so appreciated the company for the drive up to Aventorture. We met at Motek, and Israeli place in the Mall there -- a mall that hasn't been told that malls are less crowded and selling than they used to. The place was buzzing.
We sat in a large alcove, and Dr. Barry's wife and boys were there -- my nephews of another mother. Scott's lady had missed her flight from LGA, so it was a DNA only family list, but Eric, Dana, Paul, Patricia, and Patti and Delores were there, too.
We feasted, as the staff brought out platter after platter of salmon, chicken, lamb, and all manner of sides. There was food for three parties instead of one, and after my second martini made inappropriate jokes about there being enough to feel the tense West Bank.
Later, Josh's friends came, and took some lovely pix, so the night would be properly memorialized. We sang happy birthday, and had MORE desserts. Dr. Barry was beaming -- and it gladdened all of us who love him so.
D1 tried to send dessert, but learned there was already a surfeit of sweets, and so sent a nice glass of bourbon. It was that kind of night.
I wrote my brother a heartfelt email where I discussed the presence of the Big Man. Ha -- two old fucks discussing the nature of G-d -- who'd have seen that coming in 1981, when we met, and talked about classes and girls?
Norman and I talked on the way home, as Wifey slept. Allison was asleep -- the house was quiet, and our kitchen drawers looked like adults had put stuff in them, instead of wild 9 year old boys! It was nice to see.
Yesterday Wifey and Allison continued their work, and I made two trips to give away literally hundreds of pounds of old clothes. Wifey has realized she has a bit of a problem, but took solace that she is a "clothes hoarder" instead of a general one.
D2 came by with the enormous puppy, followed by D1 and the best baby in the world. We brought in Carrot Express and ate together. Both Ds and the baby left, Betsy remained behind for her 2 week stay with us while her parents go to Europe, on a trip planned before they bought their new house. Allison took the special special needs dog home, too, but will be back to continue the monumental task of organizing Wifey.
Today, assuming I can rouse the late sleeping Wifey, we're off with Kenny and Joelle to the Setai, a 5 star Miami Beach resort. They host "Miami Spa Days," a special for locals to get massages or facials at 1/3 the normal cost, which includes free valet parking (it's usually $40) and a chair at the beach. Wifey and I have facials scheduled -- I haven't had one in years -- my facialist hopefully has a jackhammer.
But Dr. Barry is the reason for the season. I think he'll be breakfasting with his #2 son -- #1 son is already back in D.C. And I texted him -- hoping the grand party Saturday night sets the tone for his coming days.
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