Happy 70th Birthday, Carmine!!

Carmine,

I hope you have a great 70th birthday.

This blog was yet another great idea from the Reichels. It seems like a perfect opportunity to express how important you are to me and so many others.

You are the friendliest person I have ever known. In a world where people commonly avoid eye contact and conversations with those they know in public, let alone strangers, you never pass up an opportunity to get to know someone. The countless friends you have are a testament to this. You never let the "you're not from around here...you sound like a New Yorker" people slow you down. Clearly, your knowledge and skills about computers aren't the only thing you give away "gratis."

It was difficult for me when I first moved here after leaving home. This family made a new city and lack of family/friends a lot easier for me to handle. You were obviously a huge part of this. It has been great to have a father-in-law like you.

As good of a father-in-law as you've been, you've been an even better grandfather to Caleigh and Emma. My dad's parents died before I was born and my Pop died when I was little, so my Gramma was all I really had. I'm so glad my girls have 4 fantastic grandparents like my parents and Rosie and you. I will never forget you doing "see-saw" with the girls and the smiles it put on their faces. How many kids can say they have a "Potki?" I swear Caleigh made that up because it was "in my pocket." What a great memory.

You and I have often talked about your Mom's earrings. You have told me that if anyone ever told her that her earrings were pretty, she would have them in the palm of her hand, extended in front of her, giving them to their admirer without hesitation. I think you may be unaware that you are exactly the same way. On second thought, you may have modeled your behavior after hers. Either way, that is an unbelievably rare trait, and you have it.

As I said before, have a great 70th birthday. I know I speak for many when I say we love you very much. Thanks for everything you've done and you've been for me.

Joe