Mike's Hard Birthday Book

April 19, 1996

the introduction Well Mike, the day has finally come where I make good on my promise to create all the fliers you said you needed. I figured making you 24 fliers should cover my debt.

In all seriousness, I didn’t know how we would be able to make good on this birthday. I couldn’t help but think of all the letters you’ve written for me over the past two years and how happy it makes me to go back and read them. I hope I can bring you that same joy with the letters inside.

I’m not sure what this bottom floor boys thing is about. I am also curious what James was afraid to incriminate the two of you for...

Now that you are another year older, fingers crossed that means another year wiser. (Kidding.)

It’s clear from the notes that follow that you somehow make friends everywhere you go. That infectious smile and laughter lights up every room. I would argue that it is almost impossible for someone not to have fun with you. I’ve tried. But I usually end up agreeing. You son of a b****, I’m in.

It’s been a big year for you from graduating to getting your first big boy job! All your friends and family are just as proud of you as I am.

You are so loved.

S S S S I I I I I IS R

A PP Y H H Y AP P P

H A PP Y H A

Y PP

H A P PY H Y A P P

PY

BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY H A P PY H A

you got me

FROM YER BOI BLAKE

feelin’ hella good

Happy birthday my dude.

Use this day to be grateful for all the experiences good and bad that have made you into the person you are now.

I know the last couple of years have been a ride but I’m proud of you for overcoming something most people will never understand. Love you.

FROM DC (Chairman of the Bottom Floor Boy Council)

so let’s just keep on dancin’ FROM SALLY

Happy birthday Lopey!!!

I love you brother! I hope you are staying safe in these wild times. I’m happy I have you in my life and I can’t wait to see you soon! I miss you and I can’t wait to hit the pool after all of this blows over. I’m about to hop back on the Keto train so obviously I’ll be ready. Stay positive and keep crushing it <3 <3<3 <3<3 <3<3 <3<3 <3<3 <3<3 <3<3 <3<3 <3<3 <3<3 <3 <3

Lopppeeeeeeeee!!!

Happy birthday big greasy/OG bush guy/BFB/one of my absolute best friends. Damn dude I guess it’s time to consider you elderly and I hope your 401k is coming along all right. So many of my favorite college memories had your greasy ass right in the middle of them. From the first time I met you at that A&M game while I was definitely completely sober...I knew you’d be my boy for life. Definitely trying to bool with you again soon and maybe get sweaty at stereo liiiiiiiiive. Happy birthday homie, miss you.

I remember when you posted this our freshman year â&#x20AC;&#x201D; February 27, 2015.

While I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but notice Miss Rev was putting up a hard fight for a better flow, I still thought you were the most handsome man to ever wear New Balances and jeans together. Four years later, I got to cheer for you at your graduation. I am so so proud of you! #BRINGBACKTHEFLOW2020

your graduation day: August 9, 2019

FROM JO Lopey!! My brother. Happy freaking birthday my man!

Sorry that your life is not going to get any better than this past year (your Jordan year). Wish we could be celebrating our birthdays together like we have the past few years!

Writing this letter makes me think about the letters you would send us at Keefer when you were in the rehab facility and you would tell us about what it was like and how you were doing. Those letters would make our week man! Haha it was so good to hear that you were doing well. I’m hoping this letter can just make your day while you’re looking like this celebrating 24 in quarantine:

You*

Anyways, I hope you’re doing great man. I’m sure you’ve passed your SIE, Series 63, and Series 7 (fu** that test) by now and moving up in the corporate world lol. Keep on grinding my man. Gotta apologize to you that we don’t talk as much as we’d like. I’m sure we’re both busy as hell and it sucks living in different cities when we never get to see each other.

But… you already know we’ve been through so much as homies that our friendship picks back up to wherever we were the last time we saw each other. Never skip a beat baby.

“Get your shit together Morty, I don’t care what you do with it.

Take it to a shit store and sell it for all I care.

Just get your shit together.”

-Rick

We need to be setting trips or adventures (lol) up where we can have weekends planned to get together man.

Hope you know I definitely still think of you often bro. I hope you’re thriving and continue to be the great guy you are. You know I’m always here for you if you need anything. Look forward to hearing from you soon (you better call me when you read this Morty).

Love you bro ACL 2017

FROM JAMES Lopez, you beautiful bastard.

You made it to 24. We’ve been through a lot a lot in the years we’ve known each other.

The 6 AM vodka shots on Bid Day, the jam seshes, the parties at the cottage, the late nights on the Traditions patio - if I kept going I’d never finish, and probably incriminate the both of us.

You’ve been one of the most loyal friends I’ve ever had, and I can never thank you enough for that.

Can’t wait to see what the future has in store. Keep kickin’ ass brotha.

“SEND ME THE LINK”

your first day of work: December 2, 2019

get that

H

O E N O E

Y Y

ichael!!! Happy Birthday my man!!!!!

I know, and I’m deeply sorry, that this is at a weird time due to isolation, and we really don’t get to go out and celebrate it big, but 1) that doesn’t stop me from making a big deal about it, and 2) that just means we can make it even bigger for when this is all over! Until then, I’m gonna do what I can, along with some help from some very dear and special people to you, to make sure that this day is just as special and meaningful to you as all birthdays should be, because it’s your day!

I didn’t want to bring up, or say anything really, about work, but that is where we met and where we have a ton of great memories so I was left no choice! You have been a joy to have around, and really just be around! Since the moment I had you, Austin, and the twins and I was there to help y’all talk calls, there’s never been a dull moment and it’s always been a blast! Genuinely, all of that just kept building up to eventually move past that colleague role and into us being friends. And now, looking back, that night of when you and Austin took me out for my birthday, it grew even beyond that to what I would call a true genuine friend. Which, you would think is just the same as a regular old friend, but nah.

Not in my world and I how I function. I genuinely hold you near and dear and consider you one of my genuine friends. You stay true to who you are, and are genuine about it. That’s honestly an amazing quality to have and is what makes you fun to be around! Good people. Honestly, that’s what you are good people.

Because of that, you are in turn surrounded by good people.

Now, I don’t know and can’t really speak about outside of work, but in terms of your TD fam. You’re surrounded by people just as good as you, and that’s what you deserve and need to make this day special! I’ve honestly ranted long enough, and probably have gone off on so many tangents but you know me! I’m a riot and cant be tamed and is only expected! In all though, I hope that this is able to make you feel as special and appreciated as you were able to make me feel on my birthday. I’m gonna save that sob story because that’s not what today is about. Today is about you, and making it your day! Also, the fact that Jess has gone out of her way, done all this and thrown this all together. Holy effing hell. Just another example of how you being a good person, has attracted just as good as a person to you!

Happy Birthday Michael!! Make this day a good one, and I hope that those around you and apart of this, are able to make you feel special and appreciated just like you were able to do for me! Because after that, man, you deserve that, really. Happy Birthday Michael!! Drinks on me, and I’ll be sure to have a few shots today for ya!! Just one last time, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY MAN!!!! Much love!

P.S. - Expect some stuff to be coming your way. I’m not gonna tell you exactly what they are because that’s all apart of the fun.

It might just be a bunch of random stuff, or it might prove to be useful, I don’t really know, but it’s the least I could do and I wanted to get you some stuff, so enjoy and hope you like them! ¡Feliz Cumpleaños amigo!

FROM MARK

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL!!

I’m so glad we’ve became good friends over the last half year at TD. All of the laughs we have shared has definitely made work a lot more fun. Can’t wait for quarantine to be over so we can go back out to HG(without Chris). Sucks that you’ll be spending your birthday at home in isolation, but I know you guys will do something fun to celebrate it. One thing is for sure it will be a memorable birthday haha. I’m looking forward to our bright futures at TD as Stonkbrokers, and I know you’ll go far because you’re a bright guy. I’m thankful for you bro hope you know that. Just by chance we ended up sitting at the same table on our first day, and we’ve been close ever since then. Well, I hope you have a great birthday, I know Jessie will have you taken care of so I’m not too worried haha. Well bro, I’m glad to have you in my life as I’m sure all of your other friends are. Have a fun birthday, and take a shot of tequila for me!

FROM AUSTIN

“THANK YO U FOR C ALLI N G T D A M E R I T R A D E , M Y N A M E IS MICH

Mikey, we may have not know each other long, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never had a better co-worker that has cared about me, more. You were there for me, with kind words, during our SIE. You pushed me and gave me words of encouragement, at my low points. You were also there to support me when I had personal problems and for that, I will always love you and have your back. Our squad will ALWAYS live on. Thank you for your continued support, your kind words and always making sure, I had confidence, in myself !

No matter what happens, I hope we continue to be friends and once this quarantine is over, we will go out and celebrate, in TRUE FASHION!

FROM MEG

H AE L L OPEZ. C A N I G ET YO U R F I R S T A N D L A S T N A M E P L EASE?â&#x20AC;?

FROM COLTON Michael! Happy birthday my man.

It feels like yesterday that you and me were playing Call of Duty, raising hell in College Station, or trying to create a failing landscaping business in the summer between freshman and sophomore year of college. Crazy how things have changed.

I’m glad to see that life is treating you well these days. It sucks that we haven’t had the time to hangout like we did in high school, but its good to see you have a great support system in your life between your family and Jessie. Lord knows I haven’t been the best friend to you at times or been there when you need me, but just know that you are my friend for life and nothing can change that (even though you kicked my ass at church camp that one time). Out of all my friends, I probably have the best memories hanging out with you, Aaron, and Logan. You guys will always have a special place in my life, and I’m grateful for that. We need to find some time as soon as possible to get together and shoot the shit. Anyways, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and tell you that I miss you buddy. I hope to see you soon, and hope that you and your family are staying healthy. Love you bro!

FROM JOHN Bropez, since we first met way back in the elementary school days you’ve always been a true friend. Growing up together and being dumb and having all the experiences we got to have together will always be some of my favorite memories. Going into college I was pumped that I had the chance to live with one of my best friends. You’ve taught me a lot over the years and I’m thankful to have you in my life. Happy birthday my man, let’s make this the best year yet!

FROM LOGAN Mikey Mike!! Happy Birthday buddy!

I am so thankful for you and your friendship over the years. I’m grateful that our friendship never died through so many seasons of life that we have gone through. You are a steadfast friend who I can count on for anything. You encourage me so much and I’m so proud of the man you have become. You are a fighter who never seizes to impress me with your tenacity and grit in the trials you’ve faced in your life. Thankful that the Lord placed us in each others lives so many years ago. I hope you have a great (socially distant *wink face*) day!

FROM AARON Hey Mike we’ve been long time brothers on the golf course and off. It’s great to be able to celebrate you on another awesome year!

I hope to see you soon and be able to work through life together again. Praying for you always man, love you brother and happy birthday!!

VODKA FOR DINNER FROM CLUR

DEAR MICHEAL, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I am so proud of all the progress you have made over the past few years from surviving accounting undergrad to landing your first big boy job! You continue to succeed at everything you put your mind to. I am so thankful for our 8+ years of friendship... according to science since we have been friends more than 7 years you are stuck with me.

We have so many fun memories together from raving at SNBRN to bid day in Aggie land to paying a small fortune for deep eddys and sprite. You’re one of my favorite people and I’m so glad to have you in my life.

Keep killin it you’re going to do big things!

FROM JENNA Michaellll, happy birthday!!!

I wish that we would’ve been better friends in high school, but I’m so glad that I ended up at A&M and that we became so close in college because I’m so thankful for you!! We had the best times fosho. Shoutout to you for all the laughs and for always being there for me! You truly deserve the best birthday ever, and I cannot wait to celebrate you once all of this quarantine stuff blows over.

Love & miss you & can’t wait too see you soon!

deep low, down deep low

drop drop drop drop

down deep low, down

FROM PHILLY

that, that, that, that

Happy Birthday Lopey!

Hope you have an awesome day, and wish I could be a part of the celebration. It’s been way too long since our last bool, and we’ll need to change that ASAP once the quarantine ends. Thinking about all of the great memories we share, which I do often, really has me craving a good laugh. You and me together is pure, genuine comedy. More times than I can count, I truly believed that I was going to die of laughter. Knowing me, I’m sure you can guess that this letter definitely wasn’t easy to write. What made it especially hard, is that our friendship goes so far beyond words. In fact, calling what we have a “friendship” doesn’t even really do it justice... You are my family, and I will love you like a brother forever.

D.B.O.D.

FROM RYAN From playin Pokémon on the wii in your living room to acting like we were Pokémon in Home Depot on a trip with your pops, you have always been such a good friend to me even though I was younger and technically “Tony’s friend.”

You have both treated me with so much love, kindness, and understanding even when sometimes my actions didn’t deserve it. We got super close at a pivotal point in my life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m so proud of the man you are now and I want you to know that you’re someone I look up to. Sorry for the novel but I wanted to let you know that I love you brotha and wanted to wish you a Happy MF Birthday!

FROM SKYLER

FROM KEAT

Hey Mike, it’s your other little bro Skyler. Just wanted to let you know I’m so proud of where you are now and what you’ve become, keep pushing and working hard. You have always been there for me when I needed a friend. Love you bro, happy birthday. Hope it’s a great one and heres to many more!

Happy birthday Big Mike!

Love you like a brother and always wishing the best for you<3 Thank you for always being there!

FROM AUNT RACHEL Life is filled with new challenges and opportunities. I pray you face them with courage and faith.

I know you aren’t able to celebrate your birthday like you may have wanted but please know we love you and are thinking of you today and everyday.

Happy Birthday Michael! <3

“The most important thing in life will always be family.”

-Obv Dom in Fast & Furious 7

FROM JOSIAH Happy birthday Michael proud of you.

FROM UNCLE RUBEN Michael, Happy Birthday Bro. From Me, Gloria, and Erik... We hope your day is amazing... I want you to know that you have always been one of my favorite Nephews. I watched you grow up through the care of those amazing parents you have. Only to become “The Great Man” you are today... Erik has always looked up to you as someone he wants to be when he grows up... you looked out for him and made sure he was doing ok from time to time and it always touched my heart when you checked up on him... thank you for that! Now get out there in life and make that difference, cause you have this charisma about you that not to many people have... Love ya bro..!

FROM AUNT CINDY Michael Don, Proud of you for stepping up and stepping out in faith, Michael. Allowing the Lord to use the circumstances in your life to not celebrate defeat but exalt his power. Have truly enjoyed praying for you, especially these last two years. Praise God for your health, your job, and most importantly, your faith!

You are a blessing and I pray God’s continued blessing as you not only continue to trust Him, but obey his commands and to seek him with your life. Will continue to pray for you and Jessie <3 Luke 9:23-24 <3 Happy Birthday!

Love you so much!!

FROM LIL ROBERT, YOUR GRAMPA Well Michael, Today has come and you are very blessed.

Don’t ever look down because God has his hand on you. I’m so proud of you! You’re very special to us. Never forget who you are in Him. Happy birthday!

FROM NAN A message to Michael Don on his 24th birthday, I have so many good time memories about you in my heart! And so many pictures there to; I can see them of you at all the different stages of your life.

So many nice memories, going to your birth and watching you grow, amazed at your ability to read so well so little, enjoying your amazing piano talent, going to the school as you performed with other musical instruments. Baseball games and cheers for you. It fill up my life with love!

Grandchildren are the most wonderful gift. <3 I’m so glad you’re mine!

I’m so proud of the road you traveled with your strength and rigor and I’m delighted you’re happy!!

So happy birthday to you! Love <3

FROM RICH Hey My Dear Brother, Michael! Want to wish you are Happy B Day! I Love You So Much!

I hope your’re doing great and I hope to see you soon! Just want you to know I’m proud you’re my bro and to keep up the good work. I’m sending you much love and positivity, hope you have a wonderful day!

FROM YESSICA Hi Goop! (Yes, you’re the goop.) I wanted to put together a highlight reel of our best memories over the past two years (with a few fun ones from the very beginning). After gathering photos for hours, I found my fondest memories of you weren’t there. Not that I don’t think fondly of the memories captured in this collage, because I do. I just realized that it was always in the quiet moments when no one else was around that I felt how deeply I loved you and how deeply you loved me. You see, there aren’t any photos of you opening my car door every. single. time.

(Except for the one time you didn’t, and I broke a nail.) There aren’t photos of you cooking dinner after you’ve had a long day.

There aren’t any photos of you getting up from the couch to get me something and telling me to just relax because you wanted to get it. There aren’t photos of you picking me up at midnight from work just so I wouldn’t have to walk home alone. Or squatting me on your back because all the gyms are closed. Or doing my homework when the math is too hard. Or taking off my dip nails because I abhor the texture of cotton balls. It’s the unphotogenic and normal moments in our life that I love the most. You telling me to have more fun, and me telling you that you’ve had too much fun. You consoling me after I lose a game because I refused for you to let me win. You letting me pick the music we listen to in the car even though I play the same songs over and over. Every day, you choose us. You choose to work through the downs and celebrate the ups. You’ve had such a transformative year, and I am so proud of the man you’ve been, the man you are and the man you’re becoming. Growing alongside you gives me so much joy. Praying with you provides me incredible peace and strength. Laughing with you until I get a cramp is my favorite way to spend a Friday night. Watching you pour into the people you love makes me feel so blessed. I am so grateful to be in this season of life with you. Happy Birthday my love.

“I done messed around and found a good one made just for me.”

“May I have this dance?

Can I say something crazy?

I love you.”

“There’s not a single day goes by where you don’t cross my mind.”