ESPN Films: 'The Announcement'

Film Summary

On Thursday, Nov. 7, 1991, Earvin "Magic" Johnson made people stop and watch at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. But this time it wasn't his basketball brilliance as a perennial NBA All-Star and three-time MVP that was captivating audiences worldwide. Instead, the 32-year-old groundbreaking point guard was holding a press conference to make the stunning announcement that he was HIV-positive and would be retiring from basketball immediately. But the shock of this declaration went deeper. Having the AIDS virus in 1991 was widely seen as a death sentence, and the commonly held belief was that we would be watching a beloved sports hero die excruciatingly and swiftly in front of our eyes. Yet Magic had a different narrative in mind. He defied the odds, not just surviving, but truly living and prospering. From his MVP performance in the 1992 NBA All-Star Game, his participation on the original Olympic "Dream Team" later that year and an NBA comeback in 1996, to his astounding success as a businessman, philanthropist and ambassador in the fight against AIDS, Magic has lived up to the promise of his nickname.

Some Background

With ESPN Films coming out with The Announcement, I thought I would write this. I grew up not really knowing my biological father. I’ve only seen him a handful of times in my life and don’t have very many memories of him. My first stepfather was physically abusive. My second stepfather was completely disengaged and lacked a backbone. In short, I never had a positive male role model growing up and was basically left to figure out life for myself while in a broken home and without any Christian influence. As you can imagine, my teenage years didn’t turn out so well.

1st Hero

I’ve mentioned often that young boys need heroes in their lives. My first hero was Magic Johnson. I remember how he, and Larry Bird, completely turned the NBA upside down. Magic’s teammates loved him because he was unselfish. He had charisma and a charm that captivated most of the world. Young boys at my middle school wore Magic shirts all the time, myself included. Magic was the man who first got me interested in the game of basketball.

Growing up and going to school in a rough neighborhood, basketball kept a couple close friends and me out of trouble. I started learning the lessons of life through wanting to become a good basketball player. It takes hard work to achieve anything of note. But you don’t have to step on other people to get to your goals. Magic achieved greatness by making his teammates better, by convincing them of their personal value to the team, and ultimately getting a group of individuals to work together as a singular unit. He was a leader. He was also the first person who made me want my life to actually mean something other than simply existing.

The Day I Thought My Hero Died

When Magic made his Announcement, it was my sophomore year in high school and I had just finished basketball practice. I noticed the coaching staff looked completely shocked. I looked around and asked, “What happened?” One guy on the team told me but I didn’t believe him. Then I went to one of my coaches and he confirmed the news. I went back into the team room, sat in the dark and wept for a couple of hours. I thought, “My hero was going to die.”

I remember the entire city of Los Angeles, and the entire sports world was in mourning. One of the most beloved sports figure of all time had to retire. I had to endure nonsense from high school friends saying, “Why are you so sad? You don’t even know him?” I never responded to pointless questions. There’s no reason to waste my time with ignorance.

Trial to Triumph

Through perseverance Magic Johnson turned something tragic into something triumphant. He educated the world on the subject of the HIV virus, which caused AIDS. Much of the world had ignorant ideas about HIV and AIDS. Not anymore. And it was because of Magic Johnson.

Reflections

Now that I’m older, I’ve often thought Magic didn’t really have to tell anyone he was HIV positive at the time. He could’ve said it was an injury and it was simply his time to retire. But he didn’t and for being transparent, he endured much ridicule and ignorant accusations. Maybe he felt that he owed it to us (fans) because we were like family to him. He was one of the few athletes who seemed to genuinely care about the fans.

Today, I have many heroes. People who are/were passionate about things of eternal value. People I actually know personally who have invested into my life. But that doesn’t mean I’ll ever forget my first hero and what he meant to me during a very dark time in my life. I don’t care if Kobe gets his sixth title (one more than Magic), Magic will always be, in my eyes, the greatest Laker of all time.

Magic Johnson makes me think, “Why doesn’t everyone love this game?” That’s just a snapshot of why I love this game. And if people still think I’m crazy for being so invested in a sport, I don’t have time for ignorance.

It’s a Girl!

Disclaimer: If you’re looking for a boring blog that writes the same cookie-cutter type of responses to typical life events in typical fashion then this blog isn’t for you. I’m giving my honest thoughts, feelings and reactions at the exact moment they happen. If you think I’m a jerk, you’re probably right but at least I won’t be boring.

On our way to the ultrasound I was pretty nervous at what the results might be. I wore blue as I was rooting for a boy. My wife needed to have some blood drawn first before the ultrasound. As she headed into the office, I was in the waiting room still a nervous wreck. The Anderson Show was on the TV in the waiting room and the topic was Mothers entering their baby girls in thousand dollar beauty pageants. I thought to myself, “This isn’t a good sign” for my hope of having a boy.

After my wife finished getting her blood drawn we started walking towards the ultrasound office but decided to use the bathrooms beforehand. The bathrooms were unisex. When I opened the door the toilet seat was up. I thought, “Only a guy would leave the toilet seat up” this might be a good sign that I’m having a boy. As you could see, I was grasping for straws.

Finally arriving to the ultrasound room the technician turned on the monitor and I immediately asked her, “Is that a penis?!?” As she moved the device around, checking out the baby I was desperately looking for the child’s junk. After a few minutes of searching the technician typed the words on the screen, “It’s a g-i-r-l!” I said to myself “Sh*t!” After the ultrasound was over, I had to immediately call my sister and let her know the gender or she would have ripped my heart out. When she was informed we’re having a girl she said, “Aw, another me.” I thought a trip to BevMo was needed.

It’s no secret that I wanted a boy, first. There are several reasons for this but I’ll just mention three. First, he would have been able to help me protect my daughter from horny teenagers or any wholesome guy for that matter (to me they’re the same). Second, I’m a basketball nut and I wanted a boy who is also a basketball nut. I don’t think it’s fair my sister has a 2-year-old boy who is a basketball nut, already. It’s just not. Finally, after the boy was born I was going to play “Circle of Life” from the Lion King soundtrack. That song works better with a boy. Now I’m not sure what song to play. I’m at a loss.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Having a baby is an exciting and life-changing event. At least that’s what I’m told. I’m not saying I’m not excited but it hasn’t truly hit me yet. Work is still work, the dog is still the dog, and the Lakers still need to make a trade. Nothing has really changed except my wife’s taste buds.

Where do we go from here? I had goals for a potential son to achieve but I hadn’t thought about goals for a girl. I’m fairly positive my wife has some in mind. Raising a child isn’t supposed to be mapped out in its’ entirety. If it is, usually you end up with quite the dysfunctional individual. I think I have enough dysfunction by myself- we don’t need anymore.

There are only a couple things I do know with certainty. First, I’ll be spending a lot of money in the areas of Prom(s), shopping/accessories, and a wedding. You know, all the things that will delay my retirement. Second, I will dislike anyone who wants to marry my daughter no matter how good at basketball he is. Beyond that it’s all a shot in the dark. In short, I have no idea where we go from here. But isn’t that part of the fun? It’s not stressing me out (yet).

Perspective

You know what comforts me? My friends. Almost all my close friends, who have children, have had a girl first. Initially they were a little apprehensive as well (if they were being honest). But once their little girl came into their lives they had an immediate change of heart. They looooooooovvvvvvvvvvveeeeeee their little girl and don’t feel like they’ve missed out on anything. I’m confident I’ll feel the same way. One of my mentors at Biola adopted a couple of girls a few years ago. He says having girls has “affirmed his masculinity” more than anything else, including being proficient in sports (I’m skeptical of this). His reasoning is when men have girls it softens them in the areas which need to be softened (e.g., personal pride, ego, self-centeredness, etc.) and it brings out areas which men were meant for (e.g., protector, provider, leader, etc.).

I’ve often thought of what having a son would mean to me. I would look at him and wonder what I might’ve been if I had a good father and all of the pain and suffering that could’ve been avoided with simply having a father present in my life. It would mean being a man my son could trust, and using the wisdom and experience of my life to help shape him into a man. Basically, having a son would mean me in a parallel universe with a father who cared. I know my flaws, moronic tendencies, and all the emotional heartache that comes with them. I’ve often wondered, “Would I still be as scarred had I been given a father who cared?” Having a son would answer that question for me. It would also give me the opportunity to be a father to him in much the same way I longed for a father myself.

Instead, I’m having a daughter. I have no doubts having a daughter will absolutely change my world. This is what the Lord has for me and I’m okay with that. The Lord knows best and being a father to a son is not in the cards (for now). But if my daughter is anything like my wife and my mom, she’s going to be an amazing woman with an amazing story. A wonderful story I get to be a part of. And as my wife tells me, if our daughter has my butt I’ll have to buy a gun and learn how to use it quickly.

Valentine Cramming

Today at work we had a potluck and the theme was Valentine’s Day (surprise). I mentioned to a couple of the ladies on staff that I didn’t have a plan for Valentine’s Day as of now. Of course, they were appalled. “It’s next week!” they said emphatically. Here’s the thing about The Jammer that you need to know. Even though I don’t have a plan, I ALWAYS have a plan. I know that doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense so I’ll explain.

It’s no secret men are inept at things like planning for Valentine’s Day, Anniversaries, or anything that requires thinking outside themselves. But there is something we men are absolutely good at, namely, cramming like a bunch of crazy people. So it’s become an annual ritual with a couple of buddies of mine to call each other and frantically come up with a plan for our wives on Valentine’s Day. Naturally all the good restaurants are booked and the restaurants that don’t require reservations will be jammed packed like the New York subway systems.

So then, with going out to dinner out of the question we usually retrace our steps. One of us will ask, “What did you do last year?” just to eliminate that idea because you can’t do the same thing two years in a row because women actually remember stuff like that. They want creativity and imagination, you know, the categories most men stink at. But when a group of desperate men attempting to avoid the wrath of their wives come together to figure out a plan it’s not only comical but sometimes productive. So am I worried? No. Well, maybe a little. Will we figure something out by next week? Probably. But in case the guys and I can’t come up with anything there are plenty of flower shops designed to prey on last-minute-desperately-attempting-to-avoid-wrath-from-our-wives type of men (like myself) that could always bail us out in a jam for the right price. I don’t need to know the logic behind why women love flowers. I’m just content using it to my advantage.

And if all else fails? There are always guys selling flowers on the intersections of streets, along with peanuts and oranges. So guys, when you get home and show your wife the flowers you bought her, make sure you hide the peanuts and oranges.

The Jammer - This Means War

Welcome to the Tuesday morning edition of The Jammer, which I share thoughts on things that matter to me. Movies are on my mind today, actually, a particular movie. Since Valentine is around the corner you know Hollywood would attempt to cash in on the holiday. A couple of years ago New Line Cinema produced Valentine’s Day the movie, which had several big name actors/actresses. The critics hated it because it was completely void of substance and there were too many mini-storylines to follow that lead to the film being convoluted. It immediately felt like “Throw out as many names as possible and hope it sticks” type of movie. Needless to say, I didn’t watch it.

This year 20th Century Fox is attempting to cash in with the movie This Means War. When I heard Chris Pine and Tom Hardy were playing “Two of the world's deadliest CIA operatives who are inseparable partners and best friends” I was immediately hooked. Pine and Hardy are two young raising stars who have shown a decent amount of range from their previous roles. I’ve been waiting for them to take some more action roles. But then I read the next sentence – “until they discover that they've fallen in love with the same woman” with Reese Witherspoon (Lauren) thrown in the middle. Talk about getting your emotions jerked around! It went from actually being extremely excited for a movie for once to “What a waste of good talent and an idiotic premise.”

I get Hollywood’s reasoning. It’s Valentine’s Day and we need a Rom-Com with some eye-candy for both genders. Men will feel obligated to take their women on a date/movie so we’ll throw in some high-tech gadgetry, highly skilled fighting, and some explosions to make it appealing for the guys as well.

Here’s the problem. If two guys are “best friends” but yet are willing to kill each other at a drop of a hat over a girl they hardly know how good was that friendship to begin with? You might be saying, “You’re thinking way too hard. It’s only a movie.” You might be right. But my annoyance is Hollywood portraying fickle friendships as “entertainment.” Gone are the days of Frodo and Sam type of bonds that inspire you to deeper relationships.

Would it have been difficult to tweak the premise slightly? Let’s say Pine and Hardy’s characters were still best friends and top CIA agents you kick @$$. Pine is engaged to Witherspoon’s character and they are to marry with Hardy’s character being Pine’s best man because, you know, they’re “best friends.” But terrorist for whatever reason kidnaps Witherspoon and Pine sets out to save her with the help of Hardy because, you know, they’re “best friends.” While Pine and Hardy set out to save Witherspoon they uncover several terrorist plots and are forced to intervene. Pine has a deep sense of obligation to protect the people of the United States against these attacks over attempting to rescue his girl. Hardy realizes this about Pine and instead attempts to rescue Witherspoon for Pine because, you know, they’re “best friends.”

In short, Pine saves the United States from a terrorist plot while Hardy saves Witherspoon for his buddy but not without sacrificing his own life in the process. Hardy dies in Witherspoon’s arms and tells her with his last breath, “He’ll have to pick a new best man.” Witherspoon response by saying, “You’ll always be his best man” while sopping over his body. Fast forward several years with Pine and Witherspoon visiting Hardy’s grave with their son named after Hardy’s character. Witherspoon picking up their son and gives Pine a moment alone at Hardy’s grave. He gives a sentimental speech to Hardy about him always being his “best man” even though he was unable to be at the wedding. The End.

Now instead of having “Romance” and “Friendship” at odds with one another you actually have them both displayed in honorable ways and working together. Who’s NOT watching that movie? Instead, we’ll get two “best friends” beating each other to death over a girl they hardly know. Sweet! Because nothing beats shallow relationships, then again, I might just be thinking too hard.

Here's the trailer:

We’re Having A Baby!!!

It’s time for the announcement. Yes, Katie and I are having a baby!!! So something good came out of the NBA lockout after all. What? No basketball? I guess we should make a baby. In addition, the due date is July 20th, which is right after the NBA Finals. Yes, that was planned.

Recalling the day we found out, Katie was using the home pregnancy kit while I was looking up NBA news to see if there were any signs of the lockout ending. She comes into the office room holding the kit and said, “Honey, I think we hit the mark” then preceded to show me the positive sign on the kit. My reply was, “I’m down with that.” Shortly after, the lockout ended. So… I had two things to cerebrate. Joy.

Katie told me not to tell anyone then proceeded to tell everyone. She would say it was “only her family” but that included her parents, four brothers, their wives, their children, and her sister (and throw in a couple of friends while they were on the phone). I think that’s everyone. I called my buddy Dom and told him the news. He then told the news to my buddy Bryan who was hurt that I didn’t tell him personally. Well, my excuse was every time we would talk we were trying to find solutions to end the lockout and simply never got around to the “Katie’s pregnant” news. Since that time, I’ve told my sister, a couple of co-workers, and the rest of my groomsmen via text message. There’s excitement all around.

Now I’ve already been told the typical things like, “You’ll never be the same,” “Get your sleep now because you’ll never sleep again,” “It’ll change your life,” and my favorite, “It’s over.” Surprisingly, I’m really not worried about the sleep component, although ask me again when the baby arrives. If you’ve read my list of PROS AND CONS ON PARENTHOOD you’ll see my main worries. Of course I wrote that before Katie’s pregnancy (aka “The death knell”). So then, my anxieties are much more grounded. And yes, I have anxieties. I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t. I pray everyday for my wife and unborn child for God’s grace and mercy to be upon them.

First, my hope is there’s nothing wrong with the baby physically or mentally. I think most parents hope for that, right? Second, I hope the baby is a boy. That’s right! I said it! I HOPE HE’S A BOY!!! I guess the rule is I’m supposed to say, “I’ll be happy with whatever gender.” Let me be clear, I would love a girl like she was my own child (because she would be). That doesn’t mean I don’t have a preference. I’m not even against having a girl eventually. I just want a boy FIRST. Here’s my reasoning, if I had a girl first that means I run the risk of having another girl second and maybe third (I put in “third” for the in-laws but I’m putting in a hard-cap on two children), thus leaving me with zero boys. If I had a boy first, then it wouldn’t matter what gender comes after, I would already have my boy and be completely anxiety free when impregnating my wife again. I would even play "The Circle of Life" from the Lion King soundtrack when he's born.

Besides, if I have a daughter I’ll have to pay for a wedding and probably have to hold off on retirement a while longer. If I have a boy, I’ll just have to pay for his bail bond and we’re done. They’re usually cheaper than weddings. I’m only giving him one bail bond and that’s it. As a parent you have to draw the line somewhere.

Some of you might be saying, “What if your daughter grows up and reads this blog and has daddy issues as a result?” Don’t worry. By then I would’ve written a blog (while citing this one) and mentioned how it’s been absolutely amazing having a daughter. And how I’ve never thought a daughter would affirm my masculinity the way she has. Furthermore, I’ll write about how the relationship with my daughter has only increased my sensitivity towards others because a daughter tends to bring out the gentler side of men. A daughter also brings out the protective instincts, the need to be a provider, and most importantly the spiritual guidance needed in male leadership.

Finally, as she continues to grow I’m sure I will quickly realize I would gladly overpay for a wedding knowing her happiness would mean more to me than my own- which will result in me being even less of a jerk than what I already am. But until that day I’m sticking to my guns and hoping/praying for a boy.

We'll find out the gender in a couple of weeks (and yes, you'll get a blog). I would love your prayers that the Lord would truly have His grace and mercy on our family. Thank you all.

The Jammer - 01.24.12

I’m starting a series called The Jammer, which will point out up and coming movies and whatever I find interesting in the news. Hope you readers enjoy and comments are always appreciated.

Upcoming Movies

The Grey

In Alaska, a plane crashes in the wild leaving several oil workers stranded and fighting for their lives against the elements and a pack of hungry wolves. Liam Neeson vs. a pack of hungry wolves? I’m sold. I was pleasantly surprised with his action chops in Taken and wouldn’t mind if he turned his @$$kicking ways to a bunch of wolves. At the end of the trailer you see Neeson look at a wolf, strap mini broken bottles to his knuckles, and run head first towards the animal. Ballsy! What’s not to like?



Project X

Anytime Hollywood could exploit youthful ignorance it will pounce like a cheetah on cocaine. Here’s film without much of a story and completely void of substance but relying on totally on a bunch of teenagers acting like jackasses on jackass steroids. And you know what? This movie is going to make a lot of $$$. After this movie comes out how many idiot teenagers are going to think behaving recklessly is “cool?” And popularity among peers is the chief end of all mankind? Thanks Hollywood for continuing to poison our youth and making every effort to steer them towards hell in the name of making a profit.

I don't even want to link the trailer but if you really want to see it here it is.

Interesting News

I realize I’m a little late with this bit of news but I just found out that Starbucks would begin serving beer and wine. They already started in Seattle and will begin at select Southern California stores.

My mom owned a 7-11 for as long as I could remember. My sister, Vicky, took over the store, located in East Los Angeles, after she passed away. I could tell you serving alcohol doesn’t bring in the classiest of customers. I’m not saying people who purchase alcohol are gangsters and thugs. But what I am saying gangsters and thugs purchase alcohol. If your customer base is typically the working middle class who enjoy coffee and/or students who enjoy studying at a Starbucks, why in the world are you going to attempt to reach a demographic that could cause tension? Because, you know, college students enjoy studying with a bunch of cholo(s). Is Starbucks going to refer the 40oz Old English as the “Double Venti OE?” I moved out of East Los Angeles in order to get away from that demographic.

That’s it for today. Leave your comments on the topics mentioned above. I would love to hear your opinion. Should Starbucks start serving alcohol? Should there be an episode of Man vs. Wild where Bear Grylls shows us how to fight off a pack of wolves?

The Wedding Diary

It’s been three wonderful years since I’ve married the most beautiful woman in the world. It only recently dawned on me that I’ve never written my intended Wedding Diary. I probably got caught up doing something unimportant. Anyway, if you ever wanted to walk through with me on my wedding day here it is.

All of the guys stayed over at my house. The night before we were partying like rock stars, drinking up a storm. Not really, we went laser tagging in Fullerton. I won, of course. The theme of the wedding was “Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling” (Ps 2:11 – emphasis added).

We wanted to rejoice because marriage is a God honoring institution reflecting the beautiful relationship between Christ and the church. However, it’s essential to tremble with reverence and not act like a bunch of juveniles in the process, something that could easily happen with my friends and I.

9:00am – Breakfast with the groomsmen

The groomsmen and I decided to go to IHOP. We feasted and I had about seven cups of coffee. My buddy Aaron took charge and asked each of the guys to impart some words of encouragement. After a couple of jokes and gregarious laughter, which nearly caused a scene at the restaurant, my buddy Bryan (of all people), changed the tone from lighthearted to dead serious by sharing some of the most transparent and personal things in his own life while becoming greatly emotional. He shared his personal struggles in his own marriage and encouraged me to avoid certain pitfalls. Then everyone else joined in and started giving me wise counsel.

I’ll never forget that morning with my guys. All of their uniqueness and why I love each one of them were on full display. I knew this day would go beyond my wife and myself. Several people would be touched, challenged, and changed.

10:30am – Getting ready to get ready

After a rather sobering morning we headed back to the house in order to clean up and made sure we had everything we needed for the big day. While cleaning up a massive pillow fight broke out and slowed the process considerably. If you know anything about guy-pillow-fights you’ll know it usually doesn’t end without a wrestling match breaking out and maybe a couple of drop kicks. This was no exception.

1:00pm – Pictures at the park

We managed to act responsible just enough to clean up and put on our tuxes. We even got the park on time in order to take pictures. Katie and I decided to take our pictures before the ceremony in order to have the reception immediately following the wedding. I enjoy quick transitions at weddings instead of the few hours of lag time in between. Once we arrived at the park, I saw Katie in her dress from a distance, walking slowly towards me (I’m getting emotional just writing this). We had a moment to ourselves and I felt like I was dreaming. I thought to myself, “Is this angelic gorgeous white girl really going to marry me?”

Shortly after nearly falling apart at the sight of my bride we actually started taking pictures. We went through the usual routine of taking wedding pictures. (I’m supposed to leave out the part where Katie tripped and fell during the picture taking time. It was on a steep hill and she was in a wedding dress and wedding dresses are notorious for making a girl completely immobile. So this is me not mentioning that part.)

Side note: When the wedding photos were developed all of us noticed Bryan’s head looked absolutely colossal in EVERY SINGLE PICTURE. To this day he’s convinced our photographer photo-shopped his head. Whatever the case, his head overshadowed our pictures because it truly does jump out at you.

1:30pm – meeting at the church

The guys and I went to the church where the ceremony was being held and had lunch together. We carefully made sure we didn’t get anything on our tuxes and spent some time in prayer. There were a few more jokes and we were off.

3:00pm – The ceremony

Dr. Thoennes, my pastor, professor, mentor, and close friend, who was performing the ceremony, came and got me. I walked my sister up to the front row and went around with Dr. Thoennes to the back door as the seating of the family continued. Before we walked through the door and onto the stage, he gave me a big hug and I told him, “We’ve been through a lot.” (This could be an entire blog in itself)

As we walked through the doors, the processional began. Dr. Thoennes gave one of the best sermons on marriage I’ve ever heard. He mentioned all of the things we’ve been through, all the times I complained about being single and how the girls at Biola were racist. He mentioned my mom and how wonderful she was. I pretty much lost it there. He even had Katie and I turn around and look out at the crowd and take that moment in. He pointed out that the next time we would see all these same people gathered together we’d probably be at one of our funerals.

4:00pm – Off to the reception

At the reception site, the wedding party was introduced first and then finally my wife and I were introduced. I walked out like I was in the starting lineup of the Lakers giving out fist-pumps and high-fives.

Immediately afterwards, we had our first dance. Katie and I had taken Swing-dancing lessons, not so much for the wedding but for fun. We also didn’t like the 7-minute slow song and awkward stare into each other’s face while everyone was looking at us. And if you know me at all, I never like to do things like that in conventional ways. So yes, we rocked the house by taking in the moment and swing danced to our soul’s delight. It was fun and people seemed to enjoy it as well.

Once we finished our first dance we walked to the wedding party table where several people were trying to calm down Becky (sister-in-law). I turned to Katie and said, “What’s wrong with your sister she looks like a train wreck?” Katie replied, “I don’t know.” Well then, this was going to be interesting. The groomsmen began their wedding speeches. I already wrote about that HERE.

When the guys were done giving their speeches the microphone was handed off to Becky who proceeded to have a complete meltdown of epic proportion. Hey, she was only a teenager giving her first wedding speech following a bunch of grown men with graduate degrees who just finished giving their speeches. So we’ll cut her some slack, although the epic meltdown is still absolutely hilarious. If I could describe it, it sounded like a small child completely sobbing trying to explain a situation to their parents but being unable to collect their thoughts in order to do so because of their unstable emotional state- all in a voice of a wounded walrus. That sounds about right. I love my sister-in-law. I always remind her to just chalk it up as “life experience.” Besides, it was probably more memorable that she completely crashed and burned than if she were to actually say something coherent and cliche.

My new father-in-law came up to the table and they handed him the microphone. He was supposed to pray for the food but couldn’t bring the microphone to his mouth without almost losing it. He’ll deny this but we have video footage. I guess getting emotional runs in the family.

We feasted. There was some more dancing, meeting and greeting the tables, and we enjoyed some sticky rice and mango for dessert. Yes, I’m Thai. There was some more joking between the guys and I, a lot of hugging, and what would the night be without bagging on Bryan a little (or a lot).

7:00pm – The send off

Everyone lined up and made a lane for his as we walked off into the sunset. Actually, Dr. Thoennes forgot to sign the marriage license so we had to drop by his house to get that done. Once we got to his house we chatted for a while reflecting on the day and how we were feeling. He wanted to mail the marriage license for us so we didn’t have to worry about it. Furthermore, he was going to stay up and pray for us the rest of the night. I just marvel at the amazing leaders God has put in my life.

Then we were off . . . well . . . you know the rest.

Happy Anniversary to my lovely wife of three wonderful years!!!