#1 - Daniel

#1 - Daniel

Daniel is one of my oldest friends. We met in 7th grade. 

Daniel means many things to me. He's funny, smart, handsome, loyal, generous, has great taste in scotch, and always been there for me.

Daniel is also one of a handful of my friends that are Jewish.

Faith is going to be a big theme in my essays this year. When I say faith, I mean "a belief in something bigger than just you and me".

It seems that it has become a bit of the zeitgeist these days to tear apart the beliefs of the faithful. That somehow discrediting their faith will somehow elevate you to the higher status regarding your own beliefs... or lack thereof.

I am not Jewish like my friend Daniel. Likewise, I am not faithful like my friend Daniel. The power to believe has always compelled me in my life. I do not mock your beliefs... I am envious.

Here is a friend from childhood that has gone through similar struggles and successes at similar times over the years, and kept his faith.

That does not deserve mockery. It deserves praise.

Daniel, It was great to see you last night. Let's do it again soon.

L'Chaim.

About This Page

Welcome. My name is Jordan and most of my life my friends have called me Phat Jaye. I am 41 years old and live in Los Angeles.

This year I made the New Year's Resolution to "be a better friend", I know, pretty vague, right?

2016 will be a year of change in this country. We're going to elect a new president. We're tackling new (or increasingly important) social issues. We're all changing.

How does one become a better friend with all these changes looming?

I'm starting by "putting the social back in social networking".

Today I have 417 "friends" on my Facebook page. Throughout the year, I want to take a selfie with as many of them as I can. I want my friends and family to know that I am more than a guy that leaves a "like" on their kids' picture or a "way to go" comment on news of a recent promotion.

I'm here. I'm your friend.

And there is a reason I love you.

I'm going to post these selfies and write an essay about our friendship.

Hopefully, they will remind you of what I value in our friendship.

Hopefully, they will inspire any readers who do not know us that there is still good in the world. Remind us that we all have this friend. Remind us to call or visit them.

Remind us that we are never alone...

We are all friends with Phat Jaye.