Mom and Dad- One time on the Tonight Show, Jay Leno was paying tribute to his parents, when he said “You know here in Hollywood, you hear all these stories about celebrities who had these awful childhoods. You'lll never hear me say anything like that, because nobody was raised righter than I was.”That’s how I feel. And I believe my sisters will testify to that too. Thank you Mom and Dad for everything you have done. You gave us everything we needed, and you showed us what unconditional love was all about. No one was raised righter than we were.
Krissy and Katie- there was a song several years ago which was basically someone giving advice to a graduating class. He said “Be nice to your siblings. They’re your best link to the past and the people most likely to stick by you in the future.” You guys have always done that for me, and I hope that I have done that for you. I'm the oldest and should be the one setting the example, but more often that not, I'm the one following your lead.
And that also applies to my cousins too. Deirdre, Chris Saoirse and Mannix (joke about nap) I wish Aunt Eileen was here, but I know she’s having a good time now, watching all this. I know she’s getting a kick out of me turning 50. Thank you guys for everything.
To my nieces and nephews, Connor, Rachel, Finley, Brendan, and of course to our forever angel Becky. I love you guys to the moon and back.I'm so proud of all of you. Thank you for making me your favorite uncle (or at least for putting me in the running)
There’s another line in that sunscreen song, “Understand that friends come and go but a precious few you should hold on to. I’m lucky I have had more than a few. So whether I met you in kindergarten (Karl, Ray, Mary) or high school, (Kevin) or if you were lucky enough to marry these fine folks, or if you were protecting your little sister from me (Patti-Ann)” I’m so grateful for all of you. Thank u guys for your love and friendship.
So many people complain about their in-laws, but not me man. I miss my father in law Tim every day, but I still hear his voice, especially around the New Year, when Notre Dame is inevitably getting blown out by a team from the SEC, I hear "men against boys Billy, Men against boys."
to My mother in law, Joan, I have leaned on you for advice, you’ve cheered me up when I needed it, and you are one of my biggest supporters, especially when I’m driving and getting nagged by someone we won’t mention. You’re amazing. Love you so much.
To my sisters in law Kerry and Megs, I could not have asked for better. We’ve had so many good times, and so many laughs.
To my brothers in law Brian and Steve. Brian, you and Kerry first went out the night Tara and I met. So we've been on this ride together from day one. I'm glad it's you and me.
Steve: if the only thing you did was make Krissy a happy woman, that would be enough. The fact of the matter is, you have been a ray of sunshine for all of us, my parents, Katie and me Tara and Tim. Thank you so much for all you do.
To the O’Shea’s: thank you for making me part of the family, all of you have made me feel like I’ve always belonged. Our cousin's get togethers have been a blast. To Uncle Shawn, Aunt Joyce, Heather, Brian and Ryan, I have just one thing to say. OOOOOOOOOOSHEA!
Now, one week from tonight, it’s going to be 19 years since the the day I call the first day of the rest of my life. That was the night 8/12/2004 I walked into Murphy’s Law in Manhattan and walked out early the next morning with the phone number of the woman who was going to be my forever partner, my ride or die, my best friend in the world. Tara, you are incredibly smart, very funny, tough when you have to be while always extremely compassionate. And to put up with me for all these years, you need all of those qualities. To my beautiful wife, who was the key in putting all this together, I don’t know where I would be without you, thank you so much. I love you forever.
Tara has given me so much but the two best are this crazy fun loving family, and this guy here.
Tim, if nobody ever told me what a kind, respectful, considerate, compassionate and funny guy you are it wouldn't matter. Because I see it and Mom sees it and JoJo, Pop, Grandma and Grandpa see it, and everyone here sees it. But the fact of the matter is anyone who crosses paths with you, be it teachers, coaches camp counselors and parents of other kids all say to me just that. We are so proud of you and the young man you are turning into.
You know, all of you who have known me, especially the ones who knew me longer, know that one thing that I've been good at these last 50 years is beating myself up for things that I've done wrong. When I see Tara and Timmy, I see what I've gotten so right. Thank you both for completing me.
And for all of you, thank you for being there for me all these years. I love all of you.
Slainte!
