It was 7 years ago today when my life took a different and better direction. My wife Pat and I are celebrating our 7th anniversary today. Looking back on that day not so long ago brings back some fantastic memories. The day was almost exactly like today with the sun shining (although a tad warmer) and much of the morning for me was spent relaxing watching the Ryder Cup at my best man Mike’s house, with a cup of coffee in hand and bacon and eggs on the table. Mike and I then went to the reception hall to assist in the setting up of a few items had a quick lunch and proceeded back to his place to get dressed with my other usher and good friend Satinder. Given a few butterflies here and there, a very calm and relaxing first half of the day.
In contrast Pat was dealing with about 20 people in the house from hairdressers, make up specialists, future inlaws, our neice and nephew Ashley and Richard (ring bearor and flower girl) and brides maids. She was up early in the morning making sandwiches for everyone making sure their day was as comfortable as possible, all the while getting ready for HER big day. From all accounts it was quite hectic that morning, and that was before the photographer got there.
Another funny part of the day was that she was 15 minutes late. As my brother Rick, Mike, Satinder and I waited in the back of the church with the minister, checking our watches as the start time approched, Pats limo was trying its best to make it along Queen Street in Brampton to make it on time. The minister had suggested if she wasnt there on time, that we all head out to a local pub for a pint or two while we waited. HAHA. Just as we were about to open the back door to escape…the bell rang letting us know that she was there. Good decision to wait for her!
I still feel guilty that I had it so easy. Me calmly relaxing watching what was going to be the last time in 1999 the United States had defeated the Europeans in the Ryder Cup while life was going “bonkers” at home. As a side note, just this past weekend the US team was descimated by the Europeans and it wasnt really close. Oh well, we still have 1999 eh?
I do have to thank Pat for all of her years of support and love. Without her, I really dont know where I would be. I just know Im in a great place in life…and most of it has to do with her. All I know is that just 7 years later we have a fantastic and beautiful son Anthony who just turned 6 years old, we live in a wonderful home in Milton, we have great friends and family and I am very thankful for the things we share in life and take nothing for granted.
Pat has been so supportive of me during this election campaign. She has been understanding to my daily routine of door knocking, almost passing each other like ships in the night as she comes home from work and I go out to knock on doors. She is making even more of a sacrifice than I am during this municipal election campaign and I wouldnt be able to do it without her support.
So to my loving wife of now 7 years…I love you just as much as I did that day and maybe even a bit more. Thank you!
I’ll see you at the doors.