I can’t thank you enough for your thoughtfulness yesterday. All I can say is that it is an honor to know each and every one of you. The words to this song say it better than I can:
We are a family like a giant tree branching out towards the sky, we are a family we are so much more than just you and I we are a family like a giant tree, growing stronger, growing wiser, we are growing free..we need you..we are a family…
Bassam, if I am a naughty, nasty, bad boy, then I’m in good company with you and Bill Clinton (and now good ole’ Larry Craig): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_Vs5570pKw
Carolina, if I’m the glue, you are the varnish. I hope we’re able to spend more time together this year.
Hugo! What can I say? You’re the Keats to my Yeats, the Stones to my Beatles, one of the truest, brightest shining stars on this planet. Your words as always are overwhelming, and I look forward to the next 15 years.
Bine, lovely wife. Even though you’re cheating on me with another man, you remain my first love It is you, with your selfless passion and your kind soul that reminds me every day how to be a better person. I love you. (You too, Alan)
Drizinha – The little sister I never had. You are an integral part of this family, and you bring so much to our lives. Though you are thousands of miles away, your light shines brighter than the Brazilian sun.
Mom & Dad Diversi, I don’t know that you know how much it means to me when you write me notes, in English no less. I feel as welcome in your home as I do in my own, and that is a true testament to what wonderful loving parents you are. My fondest memories in life, are in your back yard with good food and good friends.
Beate & Matthias, since you entered our lives we have learned so much. We have learned what true love looks like, and I have learned to take better pictures! For all of that, I thank you.
Sweet Joelle, I too treasure our friendship. As fellow Chicagoans we have always been kindred spirits. I will be here to hold your hand as you slowly enter the 21st century!
Claudio, you are my oldest friend (not that kind of oldest, but Happy Birthday to YOU too!), and though we seldom see each other, the laughter we share whenever we are together will last a lifetime. See you in the nursing home. Practice your cartwheels (and your English).
Emily, our junior member! Your poise and grace are the perfect complement to your husband’s samba flare! I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you and your family, and I’m so glad you’re in our lives.
Beautiful Eva, you speak from personal experience. Of the literally thousands of photos I’ve taken of you, I don’t have any without a smile on your face (save for one blurry moment in Seville years ago) I am honored to share my stage with you and hold your hand always.
Vonda, Vonda, Vonda – what can I say? You said it all in your own inimitable style! Thank you for being the mother of of this far flung flock. You’re so very good at that.
Tom & Cathy – How wonderful it was to see you last weekend. Your son is the testament to a life well lived and a love that makes us all gush. I look forward to many more visits to your palatial gypsy homes!
And last, but certainly not least, Marcelo, my brother. You pulled off the coup of the century. Who would have thought that the least organized member of our family would be the driving force in a tribute that paled in comparison to anything I’ve ever done. You have taught me tolerance, kindness and compassion. Your music and passion are always in fashion. You were the impetus 10 years ago that merged people from different backgrounds, orientations and views into a cohesive family not bound by blood, but by love. How do you measure a year in the life of friends? How about love.
GLY to you all, and I’ll see you soon, somewhere, some place, some time. We are family.
It is you, with your selfless passion and your kind soul that reminds me every day how to be a better person. I love you. (You too, Alan) 
Comments (1)
what does GLY stand for?