I met Rachael in the 10th grade after transferring to a new school  which most people know how difficult that can be.  We were sat next to one another, victims of the age old alphabetical seating chart. Little did I know that serendipity was at play that day. Not only did we share the same initials, but we have gone on to share so much more in our lives. Through ups, downs, ins, and outs, in the end we always stand strong together.  You truly are my very best friend.

Nikki is the wife of my closest cousin Shaun.  We have had so many fantastic family events together it is difficult to choose a favorite.  She is always there if I need someone to help with Damien among many other things.  I am very fortunate she came into our family and hope we have many more great times in the years to come.  I often wonder how someone like Shaun was so lucky to get someone as great as Nikki.

Lawrence is my younger brother by quite a few years so he and I didn't really get to grow up together as children.  Now that we are older, it is fantastic to hang out, spend time together and really get to know each other well.  I am also happy my boys are getting to know their "Uncle Larry" and may learn brotherly ways from us .  Both Rhonda and I hope we continue this trend and spend many more fun and exciting weekends together in the future.

Shaun is my oldest and closest cousin.  We have been together our entire lives even living next door to one another for several years of our childhood.  Through all the fights, dares, and mostly me being beat up by him, I can still call him the greatest cousin I could ever ask for.  We may never see eye to eye on some things, but we are definitely always there for one another whenever needed.  To sum it up, he's the brother I never asked for nor wanted, he he.