A Welcome Change of Focus

While Melissa's boyfriend was here for a visit in April, he asked Keith for his blessing to propose to our daughter.  On his next visit here on May 18th, he asked Melissa to marry him (FYI: this is Keith's birthday - best birthday present ever as we love him).

We agonized for about a week over what to do next.

• Should we try to throw a wedding together ASAP while I am still here to be present?
• If we go for it and I crash, do we just cancel at the last minute?
• Should we just throw a big party to celebrate the engagement?
• If we decide against proceeding with a quick wedding, will we regret not trying when my anticipated departure is delayed?

We decided to follow our own advice to stop planning and start executing.

MELISSA AND ANDY WERE MARRIED THIS PAST FRIDAY (June 15th).  Such a nice turn of events.  The wedding was held in the evening at the Detroit Golf Club and we are happy to share some photographs of the evening.


Yes, we planned and pulled off a wedding in less than three weeks - just another demonstration that you can do anything you set your mind to baby.

 

It Pays to be Relentless!

Story 728: 12 years ago when I was a student at OU, we frequently congregated at the Rio Bravo Cantina across the street from campus (killer deal for free appetizers during Happy Hour).  On a Friday night in the middle of winter, I arrive home from the bar and discover my mom’s tennis bracelet is missing.  Naturally, I am upset at the loss.  Imagine my frustration when I recall how the bracelet kept 'catching' when I removed my coat that day several times between my 3 classes.

As you all know, once I have my mind set on something, I won’t give up. I was determined to find this bracelet. I would arrive early to my 8 AM class on M/W/F, to comb the parking area before others arrived to park.  I began at one end of the lot shifting over by 6-12” at a time.

During my quest, I became best friends with the Lost & Found as I turned in all the various shiny objects I kept recovering (including numerous silver gum wrappers that I eventually learned to stop running towards with excitement).  Three weeks later, I found the bracelet at the end of the lot gleaming atop a snow bank where a plow must have placed it after scooping it up.  This too was a true blessing since it was not sitting on the ground between parked cars where someone would have been much more likely to find it.  The bracelet was broken, but all the stones were intact.  It pays to be relentless!

I was reminded about this as I just got the bracelet back from the jeweler from having it completely reset to something more suitable for someone like me.

EDIT: - Here is further detail an to provide some clarification based on a response comment - although I love the way 'Anonymous' thinks ( Tiara!) I am unsure if the comment maker knew when asked what "I do, " I have often indicated that surely they heard I was the 'Goddess of one thing or another (i.e. the  universe,  etc.) 

The design of the setting for my mom's tennis bracelet was 'delicate' and the baskets which held the diamonds were linked in a way that made the bracelet very flexible but highly susceptible to snapping between each stone (which is how I lost it).  The new setting is 'sturdy'.

Cherishing the stories

Stupendous job on sharing your memories thus far!

So many of you indicated you were hesitant to pass on a story because you thought it wasn't "funny enough." Please realize whatever you choose to contribute can be based on any sentiment. There is no "humor requirement."

Simple recaps of our interactions have been meaningful. I had either completely forgotten them OR you provided an entirely different perspective from mine.

Know that we have spent many hours reading, rereading and smiling/laughing/crying.

So for those of you that have yet to send something in, don't be shy!  The only thing you may want to consider, at least in my opinion, is to suck up to me. Remember, I am headed to a place where there is major potential for what can only be categorized as "upside" for my posse of family, friends and loved ones. Having me on the "inside" looking out for all of you has to be an advantage.

Even if you can't amuse me with a story, you should at a minimum inflate my ego by recounting how I [insert some exaggerated premise].

Since it is already established how relentless I can be (especially when I am focused on a goal), you might want me at the door as a wing-man in case you need assistance either with line-jumping or admission when it is time for you to join the eternal party.

Keep those stories coming!