To Mark And Kelly!

I used to think that sitting at home alone on a Friday night might be the worst thing imaginable. The idea of being by myself with the freedome to do/eat/sing/watch/say/write whatever I wanted was scary. As if being alone made me a loser, unworthy of friendship or love. Like I didn't work hard enough for people to want to be around me.

Well, sitting at home alone on a Friday night isn't the worst thing imaginable. It's not the worst thing possible. In fact, it's not even that scary any more. The worst, is sitting at home, knowing that one of my most cherished friends got married today and I can't be there to support them and celebrate!

Mark And I at a house party circa 2003

My dear friend, Mark and I met almost 14 years ago through a mutual friend. We instantly became buds. We were roommates for a long time after he bought his first house. I was living the dream in the beginning stages of my radio career and he was climbing the corporate ladder for a local grocery chain.

Mark and I the day he told me "I found The One!" March 2015

I would get up to go to work and Mark would be outside, just getting home from an overnight management shift, beer in one hand, lawn mower in the other. He is one of the hardest working people I know. I mean, I worked hard, but I played just as hard. Mark was always my moral compass but never judgemental. Compassionate and curious and seemingly always worried. Mark, is the best kind of friend to have. The kind of person whose friendship you protect, whatever the cost.

Today, Mark married his best friend, and I missed it. The worst thing (to me right now) is the overwhelming sadness that I cannot be physically close to a very important person to celebrate this remarkable beginning with him and his amazing new wife. SO, I do what I do best, and send all my love and well wishes to you both this happy happy weekend and write about the rest.

To Mark And Kelly!

I remember watching the two meet at another very important person's wedding. They walked down the aisle together. They laughed as they shared a motorcycle ride for photos. They talked and danced all night. He comforted his new crush when she received news of her very sick dog back home. They didn't know it yet, but this was love.

To Mark And Kelly!

I remember Mark making a trip across the country for work and having stopped in the town where I lived in Illinois. I took him to dinner; we enjoyed burgers and beer while laughing and sharing stories. I was happy to sit across from a piece of my past; then the words just spilled out of his mouth, "I'm in love with her. I'm gonna marry that girl." She didn't know it yet, but this was love.

To Mark And Kelly!

I remember the first photos appearing on Facebook. Building memories together, watching them both travel back and forth across the country to be together. I can only imagine the late night phone calls they shared, the dreams, the hopes, the compliments. I was delighted to see Kelly found a job near where Mark lived! A man I struggled through young adulthood with, found a woman that made him realize just how special of a human he really is. They both surely knew it now, this is love.

To Mark And Kelly!

I watched you, beautiful Kelly, walk down the aisle today (thank you Facebook Live). The look on Mark's face, the look of excitement was childlike as if he couldn't help himself for you. The ceremony that was full of beautiful words and inside jokes let everyone know what you two figured out a long time ago. This, is true love.

To Mark And Kelly!

May you grow together, learn from one another, fight fairly, and laugh every day. I look forward to watching you build a life full of hope and happiness as your partnership continues to develop and you fall deeper in love. Cheers to Mark And Kelly!

For the rest of us sitting at home alone of a Friday night, let's never miss an opportunity to tell someone how important they are to you. Better yet, given the chance...show them!

To Mark And Kelly! May you count on each other like this for always. I couldn't be there in the flesh to support and love you both, but I was and am there in spirit.

To the rest of my family, friends, and fans, you are so important to me for so many different reasons. Remember, you are never alone on a Friday night. Thank you for reading and enjoy the remaining of your evening.