Hello

Hi all,

I've been on a bit of a blogging sabbatical.

Rugby started back up! YAY!

My sister Michele got married for the first time at the tender age of 39 11/12. DOUBLE YAY!

Things have been going well.

I wanted to say a few words about my friend Dan McNeal. He died in one of the WTC during 9/11. He was an amazing man, even when he was a kid.

The school we attended, Loyola - Blakefield, instructed us to be A Man for Others. It's something I've always ascribed to. But Dan lived and breathed it MUCH MORE than any of us ever could.

He did everything at school. He was involved in every fundraising project there could be. We all swore he was going to have a heart attack at age 18. He never let up and his enthusiasm was infectious.

He was THE ONLY PERSON to congratulate me for deciding to go into the army. He thought it was such a great thing to serve our country. And when I saw him after I got out he practically crushed my ribs -- giving me a big hug and thanking me for my service.

Some of my fellow classmates have set up a memorial fund and annual golf outing. There are some great stories about him here. I've tried reading them, but I stop. They make me cry.

Dan has been on my mind a lot the past week. Not just because of 9/11 but because I've had some stuff to deal with on the rugby board. Dan was such a leader. I wonder what he would do in my situation. I hope I'm doing what he would do - because he almost always did the right thing.

OK... on to happier things.

I wanted to post some pictures of my sister's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and Michele looked stunning. Her husband is this sweet sweet man with a cute little accent (he's from El Salvador). It was a special day for me too. I unexpectedly had to stand in as the best man for the wedding. I was really proud to do so.


Joe and I helped Elman figure out how to dress in a tux.


The end of the ceremony.


Although their heads are cut off, I really like this picture.


You know how people tap their glasses with a spoon to make the bride and groom kiss? They did that when Michele and I were dancing. This is our reaction.

The next shots are me having fun. I took all of these pictures myself by pointing that camera at me and whoever I was with. It was fun. :-)


My sister Sue


My nephew Thomas (Sue's son) who is about ten feet tall now.


Mom


My sister Michele


My nephew Matthew (Cathy's son) who refuses to smile.


Dad


My sister Lorraine


Michele butting her head in Joe's and my picture.


My niece Kristen (Cathy's daughter) and her boyfriend James.


My nephew Evan and niece Ashlyn (Lorraine's kids). No they were NOT drinking.


My sister Cathy