Our Heavenly Matchmaker

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and a lovely Valentine's Day.  We don't usually do a lot for this holiday and this year was no different.  I worked all day and Andrew played with the kids.  We didn't do presents and we didn't go out on a fancy date, but we definitely took the time to recognize our love for each other, for our kids and for our family and friends.  This time of year, we think a lot about love and also a lot about how precious our time on this earth is...and how we need to live each moment to the fullest.

Many of you may not know how Andrew and I met.  Andrew and I had a mutual friend, Brian.  Brian was one of Andrew's best friend's from high school and I grew up with him and his family at church.  We also grew up about 4 blocks from each other, but didn't meet until we were in our 20's.  Brian passed away just after midnight on February 15th twelve years ago.  He was one of those people who was so unbelievably full of life, you couldn't imagine this world without him in it.  He was kind, fun-loving, and even as a teenager, always seemed wiser than his age.  It's like he knew his time here would be cut short.  Brian taught me to ski.  He always smiled and always included everyone.  He was a great friend to Andrew and all of his other buddies.  He loved his family and his friends in that special way that most of us aspire to.  He is loved and missed incredibly.

In the months after Brian passed away, his mom Nancy started telling me about this guy, Andrew.  She was certain we would be perfect for each other.  Turns out she was right.  Andrew noticed me at Nancy's birthday party, he ended up giving his number to my mom and the rest is history.  I can't help but think that Brian had a hand in all of this.  He always wanted everyone to be happy.

Andrew with Nancy on our wedding day.  We had a yellow rose on the altar in Brian's honor.

On Valentine's Day, and everyday, we should celebrate love.  It comes along in the most surprising, but yet natural ways.  We honor Brian and his life by trying to live as he did - with passion, fun and love.  Andrew and I are forever grateful to both him and Nancy for bringing us together.  Our love comes from a very special place and we try our best to remember that everyday.