this amazing photo was taken by: Francesca Birini

This Friday, I salute the following top ten people who I believe are simply amazing. Thank you for enriching my life in the past week.

1, 2, and 3. The Wingspan editors (Alison, Sarah, and Heather) who stayed hours beyond anyone could have ever expected to finish and upload their school newspaper. Yes–it was a team effort through and through for this issue, but these three refused to quit despite every possible obstacle placed before them. You are truly amazing. (Kevin–I know you would have been there too if you didn’t have to work!)

4, 5, and 6. My children Holland, Madelyn, and Braeden. Holland is competing tonight in Pennsylvania at a gymnastics competition. She spends 15-20 hours a week at the gym practicing for these meets, and it’s so easy to forget how intense her schedule is and how magically she manages it all. Madelyn is at the farm, feeling the sadness with the loss of one of her absolutely favorite horses, Hammerin’ Hank, who died yesterday. Hank was supposed to be with her for Finale on Sunday, and now her final show of the season–an event that was supposed to be celebratory in every way–will carry a heavy sadness with her in the ring. It’s moments like these that I am reminded of her deep sensitivity and care for these horses. I’ve known only one other person like her in my life, and she, too, was amazing with these beautiful animals. Braeden is hanging out with me tonight, building new Lego’s, and we’re just enjoying the time together (I have been sequestered while he finishes the Police Jail on Wheels…). He’s got such a passion for building things–anything–and he and I love our time together. He’s funny, witty, and yes: Amazing.

7. and 8. Kathryn and Corey, two of my colleagues whom I am also proud to call my friends. It seems like we’ve all been on some bumpy roads these past few weeks, but there’s been something truly amazing about how we’ve all worked through it. Today, as we each touched base with each other, I felt that companionship, that trust, that respect, that friendship that is simply indescribable. It’s a mutual understanding, an agreement of sorts, and I would never do anything to break that with either of them.

9. David, my new guitar instructor, who taught me more in 45 minutes than I had learned in the last 30 years. He’s passionate about playing, and he takes his theory as seriously as he takes his music. I’m extremely fortunate to have stumbled upon him and grateful that he had time in his schedule for me. He’s an amazing musician, and I look forward to being his student for years to come.

10. Amy, my wife. She is amazing in so many ways that I cannot even begin to list them here. She pursues her own personal goals with running and fitness, is an incredible mother to our three children, and is funny, witty, and sensitive all at the same time. When she learned today that Hank had died, she really focused on what Madelyn was going to need to help her understand this loss and get her through so that she could keep her focus for Finale. She is the greatest multi-tasker I’ve ever met, and I love her dearly.

Here’s to ALL of you amazing Faithful Readers. Thanks for stopping by again and again!