Thanks Mel Man!

in Family Thank You — 10/21/2011 5:15 pm | 2 comments

Though I have gotten away from writing Thank You notes on the blog, it is certainly something that I have not forgotten about. Today I am thanking someone who in about three short years has made such an impact on my life that I cannot imagine what life would be like without him. This “Thank You” is directed towards Jamel of West New York, NJ, my little brother from another mother.

Jamel and I met while I was catering a small gathering for his uncle. When Jamel arrived, his uncle introduced us and informed me that Jamel liked to cook as well. We talked briefly before Jamel left the party but when I needed extra hands for a catering gig later that year, I called to see if Jamel might be interested in the work. He was and the rest is history.

As my assistant in catering, Jamel was the sole reason that so many jobs went off without a hitch. He was responsible, dependable and always made the food look like art. (That’s an extreme gift that I simply do not possess.) If Jamel was on a catering job, I knew that everything would be fine. With a strong track record working with me on catering gigs, it wasn’t long before he was hired to work with me at my day job as well.

Jamel has told me that he looks up to me but I don’t think he has an inkling of just how much I admire him. He is the single most generous person I have ever met, always willing to take from himself to see that those he cares about are ok. Jamel is fearless in most every way and never backs down from challenges of any sort. He is humble and does not seek out any level of praise or recognition for all of the good work that he does. And with all of those qualities, his greatest gift may be how open his heart and mind are to understanding the world around him without judgment or bias.

Hands Down - the BEST salad I have ever eaten - made by Jamel!

I could write a book about the inside jokes we share, the talks we’ve had, or how good looking he is (Sorry ladies, he is taken!) I am so excited to see where his life path will lead because the potential within him is infinite. As I continue on my own journey, I am very grateful to know that I have such an INCREDIBLE little brother who is always in my corner.

Cooking with Mel

Mel, I want to thank you for being a positive force in my life and always encouraging me to be the best that I can.

Your big bro (who will continue to support, challenge, and embarrass you),

Jarrod

Handcuffed on top of Jamel's old car at Kings in Montclair, NJ - Long story