It's not often I find myself speechless yet last Tuesday night I did.

Receiving the Red Bandana award was an unbelievable surprise for me as well as all of the deserving award recipients as Fred wrote about in his blog yesterday. My wife, Pam, also suprised me that night showing up for the presentation. Tears welled up as I felt awash with gratitude and shock just standing there with the award in my hand. I know I said something, but can't remember what it was :)

I am deeply humbled. The award, to me, represents the ultimate sacrifice that Welles Remy Crowther made on 9/11 and is given to individuals who have, in spirit, done the same. It's hard for me to compare my "deeds" with the life of this brave young man. Pam spent the entire drive back to Sea Cliff trying to convince me I deserved the award.

Receiving this award was totally unexpected as was Fred performing the unthinkable and actually keeping a secret.