Pretty 30 Bro

As I sit here today and reflect on the last 30 years of my life I think of how fortunate I am to have a wife who is my partner in every way, a family that gives me endless love, and a career that inspires me. But on the flip side I also realize that I have so much more I want to accomplish. I am grateful for everything that has occurred in my life and where I am today, but 30 is just the beginning. And no, I don’t mean 30 is the new 20. With many years of schooling behind me and more training ahead of me I know I cannot stay content. I have to keep working harder. Whoever I am today is a direct reflection of my loved ones. For that I am forever grateful.

I am grateful to have a wife who I adore; who shares my dreams and helps me strive towards our mutual goals. Who would have thought that the Buffalo Bills would have brought us together.  She is my best friend, my colleague and my biggest fan, it’s an incredible feeling to have her by my side. Together I know we can accomplish anything.

I am grateful for my beloved parents.  They have given their life for me and my brothers and for that we are most fortunate.  They continue to make sacrifices and help us with any obstacles that come in our way. Without them I would not be where I am today. They have supported me in every step of my life, from birthday number one to thirty. I hope one day my wife and I are able to shower our children with the same sense of love and sacrifice for our family. I also anticipate taking care of my parents and in laws as they get older, a trait which I saw when I was a child, seeing my  mother and father care for my grandparents. 

I am grateful for having the two most amazing brothers who have been my best friends since the day they were born. I tried to teach them everything I knew and continue to do so still today, even though sometimes they hate hearing my lectures (lol). I have known many people with brothers and one thing I know for sure is the bond I share with my brothers is unique. We have a special connection that only the three of us understand. People toss the word brother around when they speak to acquaintances, friends and family, but my two brothers are the true and real definition of brotherhood.

I am grateful for my friends who I consider family. I have been very fortunate to be able to keep in contact with most people I have become friends with over the years. From high school, college and medical school, I have a different bond with all of them. Even when we go through droughts of not seeing each other or not talking for a while, when the moment arrives that we see each other again, it’s like nothing has changed. Most of my friends are around my age and are very successful. I appreciate this about them because they motivate me to work harder and achieve my goals the way they have.

In the past 30 years of my life I have had invaluable experiences- spending my college years at UCSB, living on a beautiful island for medical school, residing in the greatest two cities on earth (Los Angeles & New York City), traveling to 25+ countries and working every day in a fulfilling job that allows me to help others. One might look above and think that is sufficient, but in my mind I believe that this is just the beginning, thirty is just the beginning. I am where I am today because of the people supporting me, always setting new goals to accomplish and appreciating every second of my life. I am not done yet, however, and you shouldn’t be either.  

PS RIP BIG ZEUS 12/23/2007-10/05/2015