Carly and Ryan,

Throughout our childhood, your dad and I were best friends.  It was always Sackett and Cohen or Cohen and Sackett to all of our teachers in school, coaches in sports or counselors in camp.   In Elementary school a lot of classes used to line us up by height and since we were always about the same height and usually 2nd and 3rd smallest, we were always lined up together.  I can't say for sure what age we became great friends or describe the moment.  I only know that we did and that maybe we were in 2nd or 3rd grade when we truly bonded.  We used to always sit together in our classes and invariably, we used to get into a lot of trouble talking.  A lot.  haha     I could and did talk about everything with your dad as we was always a very easy communicator.  Never afraid to give his honest opinion.  Never afraid to debate you if we disagreed.   But even when we disagreed, which wasn't often, there was never any malice.  He and I would never let anything get between our friendship.   He was incredibly loyal and supportive and we always backed each other up.  We were a team and everyone else knew that if you messed with one of us, you messed with both of us.  I'll get into specific stories in later posts, but just know that your dad was the best best friend I could have ever hoped for growing up.  A true friend.

Sincerely, Laurence

Who knew that exactly ten years ago today my life would forever be changed.  On June 22, 2002 we had our first date.  I was very excited and a little nervous.  You sent a car to pick me up in NJ and take me into the city (very classy move).  My first impression was wow, he's really cute.  My second thought was wow, his apartment is really neat!  You took me to Fiama, which would become a very special place to us.  I remember feeling a little out of my element...you would later tease me and say that I didn't talk to you throughout our dinner.  After dinner we walked up to the Spring Street Lounge to have a drink and then later to the Bulls Head Tavern.  We spent a lot of time there hanging out and getting to know eachother.  By the end of the night, I remember not wanting to leave because I really liked you and was having so much fun.  It was probably the longest first date anyone has ever had.
June 22nd will always be a very special day to me.  Its where our story began.  Its the day I met my soulmate and my best friend.  I love you so much and miss you everyday.