INDEPENDENCE DAY

Lots to celebrate these days. Independence of America from the motherland, the end of fifteen and a half years of employment, the beginning of a trip that is bound to change our lives forever and a celebration of friends and family that are so incredibly special to us. The last few days have been quite profound and incredibly special. From the 'Mid-Life Retirement and Bon Voyage Party' to the late night inpropmptu musical rap session. The party was an overwhelming success and incredibly fun. A total of 142 of our closest friends and family took times out of their busy lives to join us. For this, we are incredibly humbled and honored. Of all the lessons we have learned throughout this process, the incredible importance of friends and family shines through. Last night, after running home from the beach wih tons of party supplies in tow while in the midst of a torrential downpour, we settled into our small seven hundred square foot apartment with twenty people and were serrenaded by Idalis' brothers Ivan and Adrian, my brother Mike, my father Gary and one of my best friends, Nate. It was unplanned, improvised and full of love and emotion. It was incredibly special and Idalis and I were touched by the show of affection and thank everyone involved for their most creative verses!

Idalis' family will leave on Sunday. Despite the house being a mess and possessions being scattered throughout the entire space, we are seriously dreading their exodus. This experience has been incredible for me, so I can only imagine how Idalis and her family must be feeling. I believe that this visit has done so much to reconnect the family and heal whatever wounds may have existed. Everyone of the people that we have been blessed to spend time with over the last few days is so special to us and are extremely beautiful people. I attempted to express this to eveyone at the party in person, and in spite of my jovial spirit, as a result of some spirits, I hope that everyone understood that I was sincere!

Tonight, we get together for what will end up being our version of the last supper with Idalis' family, my family and some of our closest friends. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful people and again, will carry these sentiments with us as we discover the world, ourselves and each other!