a toast...

I asked our small group to bring a toast to share for Jason's birthday a week and a half ago at our potluck dinner. This toast below was written by Dave Atkins and it is too good not to share.  (I know that Jason would not want this to be broadcast everywhere as he is a gentle and humble soul so he can rest assured that I am not posting this on Facebook or anything like that but just putting it here for the few folks who read this blog via email.)  Giving thanks for friends who know us well and who call out the best in us... 

Reflections at the turn of Jason’s 43^rd year: 

“Good, good.”  Earnest look, slowly nodding, (unlit) pipe at the corner of his mouth.  What exactly was this mid-20-something high school teacher playing at?  Affectations of youth?  Looking back, it seems clear that you have always been a bit of an “old soul” planted in a young man’s body – check that, a very fit 40-something body.  Was it any surprise that you should become a professor?  Though you are currently playing the academic prodigal son, where ever you may land, we feel confident that your “inner tutor” is alive and well – ready to lend a professorial didactic when needed.

warm: having, showing, or expressive of enthusiasm, affection, or kindness

Really it should just say “see Jason Huff.”  Rare are the eyes that have more twinkle than Jason’s, and perhaps rarer still is the embrace that is more sure and welcoming.  (On occasion, a might too sure for some…)  Dreary northwest days can not beat it down.

But even more than your professorial demeanor or your warming presence, we treasure your friendship:

“[Friendship] is a relationship that has no formal shape, there are no rules or obligations or bonds as in marriage or the family, it is held together by neither law nor property nor blood, there is no glue in it but mutual liking.  It is therefore rare.” – Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety

Thank you for living life together – brightening the journey and sharing the load. 

Happy 43 and much love, the Atkins