WOW....... Let me start by saying WOW! I woke up and my dad handed me an envelope from Boston. I had no idea what it was in reference to, but nevertheless I was excited. I read the name, looked at the stamp and wondered, what is this? I open the letter and immediately screamed, "Are YOU kidding me!?" I am a HUGE basketball fan and ironically enough have only ever been to one game, just this past summer for a preseason game at Madison Square Garden. I kept screaming "ARE YOU KIDDING ME??" over and over again, until I read the note. The note was eloquently written and fully convinced me that my Secret Santa is too nice and far too kind. I could go on for hours about how excited I am to watch a Knicks Heat Game at the Garden, but I would rather talk about my amazing Secret Santa. I was in awe at the kind words and warm phrasing that honestly made me have one of the best days in years. It's incredible how such simple sentiments such as wishing that I was surrounded by the best people can elicit a strong emotional response. Damn, it hit home. I honestly don't know how to summarize the effect of this gift on me because it's been a long year. A long year with lots of change. My mother passed away a few years ago from a brain tumor, and the holidays are often the times that revive memories, good and bad from my childhood. Prior to receiving my letter from Kelley (My Secret Santa), I was having a rough stretch. My father had just proposed to a woman I don't know too well and I was a bit out of sorts with my older brother. Man I sound like an old man complaining, Childhood, pssh, I'm 20, and that's the point. This gift got me to think about why giving a gift matters, because it makes someone else happy. Bar none the ability to take someone with me to the Knicks Heat Game thanks to my Secret Santa's generosity is the coolest part of the gift so far. Wait a minute... SO FAR? Yeah, again, I am in awe. Apparently by some grace there is more to be excited for, and honestly I can't imagine what. Thank you Secret Santa for giving me a little mental holiday in the midst of a holiday. Some mental peace and faith in humanity is restored when you realize that someone you have never met has your back. With a new year of challenges and excitement ahead I cannot convey my gratitude for my Secret Santa. Thank you Kelley.

P.S I had an incredible conversation over dinner after talking about my gift all day and how great it is. It sparked a really incredible discussion about personal ideology, and how oftentimes in life the greatest moments are those where you are with other people. Humans were meant to be friends and be happy, and friendship is proof of it. Thank you again my new friend.