Susan Senator

Oh my man I love him so
He’ll never know
Oh my life is just despair
But I don’t care
When he takes me in his arms
The world is bright — Alright
–Barbara Streisand, “My Man”

It is official. My husband Ned’s startup company, Tabblo, has been acquired by Hewlett-Packard. This is amazing, wonderful, fantastic news! No, we do not have to move to Silicon Valley, Thank God (the autism services are TERRIBLE in California, shame on them). There is an HP branch in Massachusetts. Ned’s commute just doubled, unfortunately (from 15 mins to 30 or 45 sometimes). But there will (presumably) be other benefits to the acquisition.

This was an intense journey for Ned and his colleagues. Ned joined a year ago January, when there were only three guys: the CEO and two others. Over the year, they grew to nine people, with interns. They have had a great ride, with those gut-wrenching hours you hear about with start-ups, and with the incredible highs of rushing and getting a great product out the door, and being picked up by the press, all of that. There has been a wonderful camaraderie in the office, too, a real magic in how they all work together. It is a really fun office to enter; there are black and white beads over one doorway, lots of Tabblo-red walls, gorgeous Tabblos printed out and displayed everywhere, a huge penguin, a squat fridge, and happy busy people. I knew this was the job for him from the start; the CEO found Ned through his blog, not a headhunter or some other pedestrian mode! They met and hit it off immediately. That was that.

I am just so proud of Ned and his accomplishments. He has stayed true to himself, even though he has become successful in the business/high tech world. He made sure I understood what I was getting into when I married him: “I’ll never be rich, Sue,” he said. “I don’t care!” I answered. Well, it turns out I did, just a little, but that is okay, because we have a love I wouldn’t change for any amount of money. (So my credit card balance is always a little heavy, nobody’s perfect.)

When I first met him, he fascinated me with his quick wit and deep intelligence. (I also loved his blond hair and blue eyes.) He stood out from all the other guys in his quiet way. He has never been a typical male: no sports, no beer, and I am always first in his heart.

Completely his own man, who has always been centered and serene (except when the people around him are being obtuse). He is finally getting recognition he deserves. Hooray for NED!!!!