Skull

I'd like to take a moment to recognize my alter-ego, an invisible skull that sits on my shoulder and speaks to me (and through me) in the voice of Michael Jackson. Skull and I have been together for a long time. I can't remember the first time I heard his voice or felt the shaking of his chin against my shoulder, but ever since my life has been different. Between vacations in Cabo and Negril, Skull is always there for me...with Super Bowl picks, a secret recipe for gaucamole, and always a kind word of encouragement.

We've had some rough times together, too. Last year I thought I'd lost Skull forever. During a parasailing contest off the cost of Puerta Viarta, Skull took one in the skull and suffered brain damage. As he was lying in-between half-consciousness and reality, he mumbled these words, "Rob, I'm going away for a while. Sigh..." and then he fell into a deep sleep that lasted about 10 months. In that time, I felt like a piece of my life was missing. Like someone had taken away my heart. Fortunately he's back, feeling better, enjoying life like never before.

And since he's been back, the jokes are back, the ribbing--I feel whole again.

I just wanted him to know that I'll always be there for him. Like I know he's there for me.