Archbishop Ryan – John J Langan

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“Go Raibh Maith Agat” is gaelic for Thank You. That’s for you, Mom…

Just a few of things I’m thankful for today…

2013 has been a good year, thus far. I’m in a nice place in my life right now. Could I be happier? Of course… who would answer “no” to that question? But this year has been full of smiles, laughs, creativity and change. Many people had a big part in that, and I’m grateful.

I’m thankful for the creative people I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with, and learn from. All of my marketing and social media friends – Chuck Hall, Lynette Young, Rick Toone, Jen April, Pat and Peggie Walsh, and Christina Kristofic. I’ve been amazed by the creativity of authors Dennis Tafoya, Jonathan Maberry and the members of the Philadelphia Liars Club.

My love for soccer has been enriched by the passion and creativity of others… John Whitesall, Mark Jenkinson, Kelly Christine Delaney, Kenny Hanson and Earl Gardner… and all of my fellow Sons of Ben. And I can’t forget PPL Section 110 friends Sean and Allison Malloy, and their son Declan… each match I’m thankful to see the love of the game through a child’s eye.

I’ve spent time with you all this past year, and am happy to count you as friends.

Friends go in and out of your life. I am rich with friends, but there is that close group. I used to say, “I don’t want to make new friends because I don’t have time to see the friends I have as much as I’d like.” Those people are my core… Laff, Ness, Dick, Nimh, Fluge, Chas and Helene. Last night proved… I’m at my best when I’m with you, your spouses and your families.

Sisters are a pain in the ass, and I don’t know what I would do without mine. Can’t wait to see you both today because “Ah… family. It’s what it’s all about.” Families named Taylor, Zlakowski, O’Hagan, Carr, Macowski, Cohen… sounds like the Eagles offensive line, and they provide protection too. They take care of me.

I have good boys. My oldest, John, has an unbridled enthusiasm for life and he is a fierce friend. He has great work ethic, and I’m so happy about how he is getting down to business and making things happen for himself. Colin is just starting out in his journey, and I know he will embrace his challenges with thought and good humor. He is the funniest person I know, with a smart understated wit and just the right amount of cynicism. Not sure where he gets it, because he has stated on numerous occasions that I’m not funny at all.

I’m proud of them both, every day. My Mom always said to me that “you are judged by the company you keep”. Both of my boys have made great choices there, fostering long and wonderful friendships. I’m an extremely fortunate Dad, because my sons are my friends.

No matter what happens in my day, my week, my life… I can always count on the best welcome when I walk in the door. Stan is the man…

All credit for these “three” boys goes to their Mom, who’s every decision is made with the well-being of her children in mind. I’m continually awed by the work she does with cancer patients everyday. Most amazing is that she puts up with my lunacy and I haven’t been tossed out on my ass… yet. And she makes me coffee. Sometimes…

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Quickly… I’m also thankful for the wonderful craziness of Penn Emblem and ImprintsUSA, the brilliance of Elvis Costello, the hilarity of Kevin Smith and Ralph Garmin, the quirkiness of Sheldon Cooper, the energy of PPL Park, the community of Academy Sabres, the old friends from Bandon Drive, the tradition of Manchester United, the grapes on the Ryan High School vine, and for discovering the many wonders of Cape May.

I live in the City of Brotherly Love, and there is nowhere else I want to be. Everything I need is right here. I’m in a good place, because of all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

“The vine bears three kinds of grapes: the first of pleasure, the second of intoxication, the third of disgust.” – Diogenes

In a few days I will be travelling to North Wildwood, NJ for what has become an annual pilgrimage. My high school holds a fundraiser at the shore, inviting close to fifty years worth of graduates to gather for a big party. It’s a hot time, packed with alumni and former teachers reconnecting. The motto of our school is In Vite Mane, Latin for “Remain On The Vine”. It fits… the idea is that everyone who has ever been a part of the school is connected, like grapes on a vine.

A lot of these grapes go to every reunion, planning their vacations so they can attend. But each year I see someone new, someone I haven’t seen for many years. This will be my fourth shore reunion, and it’s always a great night. It is THE summer event.

Old friendships are a funny thing. That common ground we walked over thirty years ago is warm and familiar. And even though that vine of life separated us at some point, we are basically the same people. If you were fun and friendly then, you still are now. And if you were an asshole then, well… “So good to see you!!”

Recent Ryan High School graduates are all still connected through social media, so maybe this event will not be so popular in future years. Some of us older Raiders and Ragdolls are social-active too, and I think that is part of the reason this gathering has grown so much in recent years. While interest and attendance may have peaked, I hope to see this event continue to grow and remain vital. Nothing beats seeing that person, talking face to face, and giving hugs. Yes, I’m a hugger… prepare thyself.

The closest friendships I have today were cemented in that very town of Wildwood. That rite of passage known as Senior Week forged my personal vine after graduation in 1978. While most of us were friendly acquaintances going into that week, it all changed there and then. Now… after marriages, divorces, kids, and – coming soon – kids getting married… the core group is still together. Not as often as we’d like, but as often as we can.

Of the people in the above photo from Senior Week ’78 at the Red Garter (that’s me on the bottom left), I know I will see Ness and Laff this weekend. But I also hope to see Matty, Franny, Novo, Lumpy, Scull, Clifton, Dick, Pomo and the Businessman. To the OCD people who are counting heads… yes, there is one guy whose name escapes me. Not bad recall after 35 years, is it?

Flashing forward, these shore reunions have rekindled relationships that I cherish and know will be with me forever. It must be something about Wildwood. Too much heat, and too much of Diogenes’ first two kinds of grape… from that vine, I guess.

Last year it was great to have my son, and fellow Ryan grad, attend his first shore reunion. I got to meet and hang with a few of his friends and former teachers, and had the great pleasure of introducing him to a few of my Ryan grapes. As a bonus I was “privileged” to pick up his drink tab for the night… not a pittance!

I’m looking forward to a couple of days filled with great conversation and renewals of friendship. Plus some beach time that I sorely need!! As most know… I love to laugh, talk, tell stories… and occasionally I do like to have a cocktail. This weekend will be all of that – times ten! It will be fun, exhausting and probably very hot.

Hot is fine… nothing grows wilder and sweeter in the heat than grapes, on the vine.