Text: Mike's house

Mike's house is like an old bar that war veterans gather at to reminisce about the obstacles they have faced in battle. Some of the soldiers are stronger now and others are weaker. They all share something in common though--Brotherhood. There is a highly regarded, yet hardly spoken about, covenant that exists between these men. They have all taken their chances with relationships and there have been some casualties. Others have remained steadfast in their pursuit of happiness and are successful. Then there are kids like Dan and Steve who are content with their single-life and truly wish to remain loyal to their friends. Yet when one man falls or one man rises in triumph at any complication all of the other brothers are witness and no brother ever abandons another. [Exception: One soldier abandoned a whole regiment of brothers in the mountains to pursue aforementioned happiness. Oops.]

This reminds me as to why I love New Years Eve. It is a chance to really reflect on what Mike's house means to everyone. It also makes me wonder if everyone in the world has a sanctuary such as this. For the last 6 years Mike's house has been a refuge for Dave, Mike and I. Don't label us as an inner-circle or on any different level than anyone else in the group, just the guys who originally lived together and created the bridge among friendships. Over the 6-year stretch we have definitely encountered a unique variety of friends, some of which still contribute to the bulk of the regiment.

We have Sean, Steve, Huy, Mike and I that have been regulars at this old rendezvous. Frequently we have Dan, Dave, Lil' Huy, Rick & Jeff [if poker is going down] and when applicable, wives, fiancés, and girlfriends present themselves. Except that it hasn't really ever been about who is with who at Mike's. Everyone is individual. Keep your insecurities at home and step aside from who you're with because nothing is safe from the brothers who gather. People either hate Mike's or love Mike's and even have the same love/hate relationship with Mike himself. That is until they really get to know him and his home.

Last night I had a talk with the codger himself (who turned ancient last night). His words prompted me to write about this today. It is important for a place like this to exist. A place where friends can come and go as they please but no one ever forgets who you are and what you've done. A place where brotherhood is eternal no matter if you fuck up, throw up, or get thrown out. When you've tried and failed you always have friends to mend you and throw you back into battle. The New Years brought a reminder that I have established some amazing friends over the last 6 years alone. I look forward to what 2006 will bring as far as new friendships and refreshing the tales of the old.

Happy New Year everyone. Victory is imminent.