I was surprised last night.
Andrew Duthie - aka TBDDEOTP (The Best Damn Developer Evangelist On The Planet) - called me a few weeks back and said "Let's have dinner, and bring your family. In hindsight, I should've suspected something but I didn't. We set up a dinner meeting at Maggiano's Little Italy in Short Pump. Christy and the kids all piled into the LeonardMobile and headed northeast to Richmond, none the wiser to Andrew's masterful plan.
Imagine my surprise when I asked to join the "Duthie Party" and we were led to the section containing large tables. I thought "Why are we stopping here? We probably have a booth for the six of us."
Ha.
Andrew had gathered most of the folks involved in the Richmond Developer Community leadership and they were waiting for us when we arrived. Susan and Gary travelled all the way from Virginia Beach, and Robin made the trip in from Roanoke. Kevin Israel was there - fresh off a road trip where his daughter placed 19th in the nation in baton twirling - congratulations Israels! Kevin Hazzard was sitting next to him - both had that we-need-to-get-started-on-Code-Camp anxious look on their faces. Justin Etheredge and I got to hang out most of the night. He got to experience Riley wiggling (it was Riley's bedtime and he'd missed a nap) while I asked him "Do you have kids? Do you want one? Now?" ;) Frank planned to be there (driving all the way from NoVa like Andrew) but was unable to make it due to family stuff.
Frank, I missed you buddy. You let me help out in Richmond and got me started with the Developer Community here. You are my Community Mentor. You taught me how to give back - not with words and definitely not with lectures, but by your actions. I wouldn't be as involved as I am were it not for you. I definitely would not be an MVP. I can't adequately express how much I appreciate you sir. Thank you Brother.
It was a really really cool time. Andrew presented me a cool Red Zune with this inscribed on the back:
How cool!
As I've stated time and time again, the Richmond Developer Community succeeds because of an outstanding team of leaders. I'm honored to be part of the team and proud of the successes we've enjoyed. It's been a privilege to participate and I am going to miss working with these exceptional folks. To these and the other leaders in our community I say: I love you and will fondly remember our good times.
:{> Andy
PS - Andrew, this Zune ROCKS! :{D