Monday, February 17, 2025
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Welcome to Monday, where the air is so cold it practically bites back. Another week of arctic chill awaits those who need to venture outside to work or walk the dog! đ
Sunday was a rare and special day spent with my siblingsâsomething that doesnât happen nearly enough. Having seven siblings means thereâs always someone in the rotation, but it also means others end up on the bench, waiting for the next family huddle.
Brother Bill made his annual pilgrimage north for the Chicago Auto Show. Unlike the typical snowbirds fleeing winterâs grip, Bill willingly flies from sunny Orlando into the freezing Midwest. It speaks volumes about the depth of his friendships here. The funny thing is, Bill isnât even a car enthusiast! But tradition is tradition, and I respect that.
Thank you, Bill, for making the effortâit was great to see you, even if briefly.
As soon as Bill departed for the airport, Cindy and I made our way to Tom and MJâs home in Libertyville for lunch with my local siblings. These gatherings are rare and always cherished. Thank you, MJ, for pulling it together and hosting.
As we said goodbye, Nick pointed out, rightly so, that we donât see each other enough and need to do better on this front. Then, he slipped in a jab about one of us living in Iowa which makes our get togethers a little more challenging. I feel like Iâve heard that before.
Thank you, to my brothers, for a day of laughter, reminiscing, and just being together. I love you guys!
And now, for the most important part of todayâFebruary 17 marks the 21st anniversary of my first (blind) date with Cindy. The matchmaking dream team, Kathy and Heather, worked tirelessly to bring us together. Kathy, part of my NIU crew, and Heather, Cindyâs colleague at Motorola, saw something in us before we did.
Cindy and I both resisted for months. She was busy setting up her new home, caring for her mom, and enjoying her uncomplicated single life. Meanwhile, I was fresh off a divorce, juggling kids, work, and a feeble attempt at playing house. Blind dating? No thanks.
But Kathy and Heather wouldnât quit. They kept nudging, dropping hints, and eventually, we both gave in at the same time. We agreed to meet at Portofinoâs near Hawthorne Mallâcocktails only, a quick escape plan built in just in case.
I remember sitting at a high-top in the bar, both of us a little nervous, making small talk to break the ice. Cindy asked a lot of questions, and IâwellâI talked and talked. I couldnât tell you exactly what we discussed, but I know the conversation never stalled. A couple of hours later, with empty glasses and no food in our stomachs, we called it a night. We both agreed it had been fun and decided on a second date. As I drove home, the logical part of my brain kicked in: âShe lives in Crystal Lake, Iowa⌠how could this possibly work?â
And yet, here we are. Twenty-one years later, and come August 9, weâll celebrate 20 years of marriage. I am forever grateful to Kathy and Heather for their persistence, but most of all, I am grateful for Cindy.
Cindy, if I could go back, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. You were my Tuesday girl, the one who somehow saw something worth sticking around for in my chaotic life. I donât know what I did to deserve you, but I know I am the luckiest man to call you my wife. I love you.â¤ď¸
Thank you, Kathy and Heather, for never giving up on this match. And thank you, Cindy, for choosing me every day.
Love you guysâ¤ď¸
