twenty-something

TO: [Recipient List Undisclosed]
FROM: Patrick Raymond
DATE: Sep 11, 2006 4:11 PM

SUBJECT: 9/11/2006~ Landmarks

Hello there,

If you've received this email, you probably know me well enough to know that this isn't the kind of thing I usually do. A schmaltzy, nearly humorless mass email that doesn't include any mention of an address or phone number change isn't really my style. But this time of year I try to remember to step away from style and from myself.

This time of year... On the fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001, after five years of collective and personal ups and downs, I'm more reflective than usual.

Yesterday I happened to be at Ground Zero in New York with my two best friends in the whole world. It wasn't planned; as most know, I spent this summer living in Manhattan and I have moved to Boston this fall to start a new job, and I headed down this weekend to pick up the rest of my belongings from the city. Yesterday I was drawn to the lower part of the island inexplicably, to Battery Park, a short distance from the site. And then -- my friends and I found ourselves in the shadow of no towers, at the scar left after those attacks. And there I was, drawn there like hundreds of others, on a unspoken pilgrimage, with two of my favorite people whom have only been in the same room together once before. It was powerful. Overwhelming. Inspiring.

It was no coincidence.

Four years ago, on the first anniversary of the day that changed our world, I sent out these lyrics to those people who filled my life with love and, well, life. Today, though its some 2,628,000 or so minutes since that September day, they still feel as applicable.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure -- measure a year?
In daylights -- In sunsets
In midnights -- In cups of coffee
In inches -- In miles
In laughter -- In strife
In -- Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?
In truths that she learned
Or in times that he cried?
In bridges he burned
Or the way that she died?

It's time now - to sing out
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love

Measure, measure your life in love

In case you don't know it, that's a truncated version of "Seasons of Love" from the musical RENT.

You've received this email, part of a select list, because you mean something to me. You've given me friendship, family, support, and love at some point in the past five years. So, to quote the one thing more frivolous than a Broadway musical -- "The Golden Girls" -- I'd just like to say, "Thank you for being a friend."

Today is another landmark in our world after that fateful day. May your next five years, and all years to follow, be safe, sane, and happy, filled with hope, love, and -- most of all -- life.

All My Best,
Patrick