maryann

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.
Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need it.
~Jane Howard

Sometimes it can be one of the hardest things to live with your own family. Family means that you agree to love each other,
almost unconditionally. It means that in spite of hurt feelings, inevitable arguments, and broken promises
each member will continue to be there for one another. It's funny to me how when we're young we seek so completely
and with such drive to find our independence -- and then turn around a few short years later to realize that what we've actually
been searching for all along was right in front of ourselves.

A friend is one who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart.
~Kathleen Grove

Somewhere along the lines of searching for ourselves, we find that in addition to the family with which we were born
we choose a family of our own. This family -- our friends -- may not share the exact biological traits of parents and siblings,
but in terms of what it means to us its significance is equivalent. I have let a number of people into my life over the years --
For those who have stayed, and for those who have not, I love you all. Each of you holds a special place in my heart.

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood,
but of respect and joy in one another's lives.
~Richard Bach

My Dad ... You have been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I know how hard you
worked all those years to provide for your family, and no matter how hard you worked you still came home at the
end of the day willing to play a game of tennis or Yahtzee. Your sense of humor can turn my worst day right around,
and the hours you've spent on the phone with me over the past few years have made more of an impact than you can imagine.
Your advice and your wisdom have shaped the woman that I am today.

My Mom and Dennis ... The two of you have been an amazing support system over the years. I've had the pleasure
of watching your relationship from the beginning, and I've been able to apply these mores about love
and a partnership to my own relationship now.

Kristin, Stephanie, Kathryn ... What are sisters for, if not to drive each other crazy every once in awhile
and to share secrets inbetween? Each of you has impacted my life in a completely different way, but I am so proud of
all of you for what you have accomplished so far and what I know you will accomplish in the future.
You are talented women, and I'm proud to know each of you as my sister.

To the Mancinos -- Deanna, Bob, Megan, and Nick -- who have so quickly become family to me.
It's amazing to me that as quickly as I fell in love with Lauren, I have fallen in love with her family, too.
I see how you raised her to become the young woman she now is, and I'm grateful for your willingness
to let me share in your lives. We've each had the honor of witnessing part of Lauren's life, and I look forward to a happy
future of shared memories and moments.

And to Lauren, my heart, my soul, my best friend. You have completely changed my life.
Your humor, kindness, patience, passion, and companionship have touched me in ways that I cannot describe.
I've known from the moment that I met you just how special you are, and now that I share in this relationship with you
I've found just how special love can be as well. What we share is precious, and I promise to guard it, to tend to it,
to respect it, and to cherish it for all the day of our lives. I love you so much.