An open letter to our friends and family.

I can't imagine our wedding day being any better. Jim's service, the flowers, food, music, decorations, memorials, ...they were all perfect. But what made it such a great day, the best day of my life to this point (and that's not an exaggeration in the least), was the people. The significance of the day is magnified exponentially for every family member and friend in attendance (whether there in body or spirit.)

I feel so grateful for everyone who came together, collectively traveling tens-of-thousands of miles (from as far away as England), with kids in tow (and all that paraphernalia: car seats, diaper bags, strollers), and bearing gifts to boot. It humbles me.

Not only do I feel a renewed and more powerful sense of commitment toward Penny, I feel it toward everyone in my family, both biological and marital.

When you love someone the last thing you want to do is disappoint them, and for me that has served as motivation. I feel whatever good things I've accomplished over the last 6 years (and throughout my life) is due to the influence of so many good people, but in very large part due to Penny. Everyone who knows her knows their life is better for it. And I think (I hope) I've made her proud. (For all my nuuuuumerous flaws, I must be doing something right. Hell, she married me.)

I feel a similar sense of responsibility toward all the members of my newly (and drastically) extended family. (If our marriage was a novel it might be titled, How To Go From 5 to 105 Family Members in One Second.)

I hope I can make them feel proud to be in my family, as I feel pride in being related to their family.

As I've said before, a million 'thank yous' wouldn't be enough.

Love,

P.R.