Sean Murray’s Birthday!

I wrote and posted this last year, but there’s no reason why it can’t be posted annually.

Sean Murray is the funniest person I know.

I was reminded of this last Christmas when I saw him again in the States and within an hour, my stomach was aching from laughing so much. We have a certain shorthand – as friends do – in getting each other to laugh, but I’ve seen him work a room of drunk strangers into uncontrollable fits of laughter. A lot of this has to do with the fact that he’s overflowing with enthusiasm, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in it.

He’s also been amazingly patient with my bullshit over the years whether that’s been spotting me money even when he didn’t have any (those midnight pancakes don’t pay for themselves!), transporting my unconscious body from Point A to B, supporting my romantic interests even when they were overtly destructive, and dealing with my incessant moodiness. On top of that, he allowed me to write about him when no one else was comfortable with the idea.

For those who’ve paid attention to my work over the years, you’ve probably noticed that Sean has always had a major role in my life. His presence is significant in Empty Rooms Lonely Countries, and when I was putting together Cover Stories, I was thrilled to have him participate in the project in a way that allowed his knowledge and talent of music (both personally and academically) to really shine.

The fact that I can call him Dr Murray is something that delights me to absolutely no end. His students are lucky to have him, and I hope they catch on to that quick enough to let him know.

Anyway, today is his birthday.

My friend and brother deserves the best day possible. And the best year possible. It pains me that I can’t be there (in fact, I can’t remember the last birthday I was there for).

Happy Birthday, Sean Murray.

I love you, brother.