Having grown up with two brothers and a number of male cousins, it is not surprising that I was a tomboy with strong opinions and a sense of self.  As I traveled through life and loves, one of my most reliable friends was the type of man who not only 'tolerated' who I am, but celebrated it.  Little did I know that he would turn out to be the love of my life.  The man who dances with me every night and laughs with me every morning.  I could not be happier or feel more fortunate to be embarking on the next chapter of ours.  Friends - hand in hand.

Having grown up in Texas with a strong mother, two smart sisters, two cool brothers and an ever-loving father, it is no wonder that I would seek a strong, smart, cool and ever-loving woman. I also grew up understing the value of friendship -- I am still close with friends I met in pre-school. Armed with that "insight," it only took me 15 years to realize that the strong, smart, cool, and ever-loving woman was right under my nose and she was indeed a close friend.  Maybe part of the reason it took me so long to "see it" is because I never believed the old adage many of my loved ones would tell me:  "When you find the right one, you will know it when you see her."  Well, I didn't. It wasn't until I felt it that I realized Jen was the one -- the right one for me. And not only the right one, but someone who deserved the love I had to give. Not only did she possess all those qualities I valued, but as my friend Myles Cohen put it succinctly, "In a town of takers, Jen is a giver. " She certainly is and she has given me the greatest gift of my life -- her love and friendship. 

I remember someone telling me that "Time is not your friend, but timing is." I will be forever thankful to our friend for finding the right time for us to fully appreciate each other and to let our love form organically with a strong foundation of friendship, respect, trust, and the joy we have in each other's company. I am blessed that I have finally found the woman of my dreams and my best friend in such a loving, beautiful, strong, smart, and cool package.