To my parents, Bob and Kathy: I could not wish for better role models. The older I get, the more obviously smart you guys become to me. You are my “say what’s on your mind” and my “mind your manners”. You are my “have a blast” and my “…just be careful”. Most importantly, though, you are my “there’s nothing you can’t do” and my reality check. It is not lost on me the confidence you have shown in your oldest son when he least deserved it. You’ll never know how much I love you both for that.

To my extended family, Bobbie, Cuyler, Michael Ann, Merritt, and Torrey: Thank you so much for all the love and laughs over the years! I’m lucky to be part of your lives.

To Mr. Jason Barrett: You know the deal, bro. I admire you as much as anyone I’ve ever met. “Brothers don’t shake hands, brother’s gotta hug!”

To the Palmieri’s: It’s impossible to describe how grateful I am for all you have done. Paula, you might be my favorite person to talk to on the planet! I’m happy to say I will brag about my mother-in-law any chance I get. Alan, your generosity is something I can only hope to repay one day. I can’t thank you enough for everything. You, Paula, and Tony have made me feel like part of your family from the start, and I love you all for it.

Mom & Dad: I wish there were words that could describe the debt I feel I owe to you.  Every second — every moment — of my life you have been my source of strength.  Whether it was Dad taking time off of work to take me on the father/daughter Campfire Girls camping trips (who will ever forget Jerry Hoffman’s luggage being invaded by a family of mice!) or Mom, always the fashionista, hand-making bows to coordinate with my favorite outfits, I never for one second doubted that I was whole-heartedly, 100% loved.  I don’t think that there is anything else in the world that a little girl could wish for.  Even as a teenager, when most girls are rebelling against their parents, I was always so proud when one of my friends would exclaim, “You are so lucky, you have the coolest parents!”  And I truly knew that I did.  You guys are, most definitely, the coolest parents ever.  I thank you both, from the bottom of my heart, for everything you two have done to make this day possible for Jeff and me, and for the wonderful future you have made possible for me since the day I was born.  I hope that one day I can be half the parent that you two are to me.  Where I was weak, you taught me to be strong; where I was strong, you helped me to excel; most of all, you taught me what love is.  Love is my family.

My brother Tony: You will never know how much your decision to join us in O-Town means to me.  Not many girls are able to say that her brother is not only one of her best friends, but he also lives down the street from her.  You have always been my protector, my big brother, and even now that I’m all grown up, I sleep better at night knowing that if I need my bro, he is just a stone’s throw away.  I love you so much, YOU PUNK!

And finally, to my new extended family:  First of all, I must say to Bob and Kathy, thank you for creating the most wonderful, compassionate, loving, and intelligent man I have ever met (present company excluded, of course).  Kathy, you are the antithesis of everything a mother-in-law is “supposed” to be, and I cherish you for that.  I never thought it would be possible to laugh harder with someone than I do with Jeff, and you proved me wrong (“excuse me sir, what is that you’re smoking in that hookah???”).  Love you Mama B!

Bob, Bobbie, Merritt, Michael Ann, Cuyler, and Torey:  Wow!  I don’t think there is another word to describe this extraordinary family.  I must admit I was intimidated going in to the Abacos trip and meeting you all for the first time, however I didn’t know how wonderful each and every one of you are.  Bob, I now understand what drives Jeff to be the best at whatever he does.  You are just an exceptional example of a person living life to its fullest.  Plus, you cook a pretty mean prime rib, and that makes you A+ in my book!  Bobbie, Michael Ann, Cuyler, Merritt, and Torey, you have to be just about the most fun people I’ve ever met!  Though I must tell you, I will think twice about getting on a dingy with you ever again (unless it’s a Nipper’s night, then I’m game… haha!).  And finally, my brotha-from-anotha-motha, Jason Barrett.  Sqwee Bop!  Saltpeanutsaltpeanutsaltpeanut.  I love you, bro.  ’Nuff said!

Years passed, and while the two were never far from each other’s thoughts, time and distance hindered their correspondence.

Until one day, 10 years after their first meeting, they found themselves at the party of a mutual friend.  They reconnected, then quickly realized that what they had was more than just a friendship.  It was love at second sight, and the two were inseparable from that moment on.