Ryland James Simanoff

What follows is some very happy news. It's also depressing news, because it's a reminder of all the milestones Mike is no longer around to share with us.

Ryland James Simanoff was born Monday at 6:25 p.m. He weighed 4 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 17 3/4 inches long. Ryland's parents, Michon and Lee, are ecstatic. So are both sets of grandparents. Britt and I will visit our new nephew this weekend.


If Michael were still alive, he would be Ryland's uncle. He would have been a great uncle. He would even have voluntarily boarded an airplane to visit this little guy. Maybe.

I have mixed thoughts about posting this message to the memorial blog. It feels awkward, as if we're talking behind Michael's back, or changing the subject without telling him. Still, I think I'm doing the right thing. Put another way: If we do offend, it is with our good will.

Welcome to the world, Ryland. When you're ready to learn about Michael, there's an entire community of people ready to tell you what a wonderful person he was.