Stephan Doyle

Bree James

Happy Birthday, Stephan (Aug. 20).

You were always so funny about your birthday...you weren't the sort of guy who said, "Don't make a fuss," or "Oh, I don't want anything," but the kind of attention and gifts you loved were as unique as you. You wanted to be recognized and celebrated for who you really were, not just given an ordinary party or an expensive present. If your favorite cookies from Costco showed up, and a really great thrift shop item came your way, that was good birthday as far as you were concerned. The one area where there could be a raised eyebrow was gift wrapping - I recall getting a lecture once on the proper use of tape with gift wrap, and a tulle bow got extra points. Bringing you happiness and any sort of joyful surprise always felt so wonderful, because you gave back more than you received - if not in kind, in your own, fabulous Stephan way. I hope there are lace cookies in heaven.

Love you. B.