Happy birthday HZ

I am a lucky man in that I have had always a very close group of friends. The different stages in my life have been marked by amazing people whom I’ve been lucky to count amongst my friends. When I was deciding for schools, I applied (and got accepted) to the university where my best friend HZ was about to start his PhD. We *could* have been in the same cohort, in the same university, and supervised by the same PhD advisor. This didn’t happen quite as planned. And I’m lucky for that.

Almost 8 years after we met for the first time, my admiration and respect for you continue to grow. You continue to inspire me, in your new role as a father, in your ongoing role as your partner’s devoted partner, and in your eternal role as a fabulous son, brother and friend. My family, as you know, adores you not only because you’ve been there for me whenever I’ve needed you, but because of who I have become, partially thanks to you.

It’s only coincidental that your birthday falls on Earth Day. Your professional and academic pathway and mine always seem parallel (given your research interests and mine), but I’m always amazed at how lucky I was to have come across you. I have our common PhD supervisor for that. Thanks to him, not only do I have a PhD but also a great friend whom I’m proud to call my brother.

Happy birthday, and much love as always. Because you know how much you mean to me.