25 years and counting

As most of you know, Sue and I celebrated our 25th anniversary on December 28th. There are a lot of things we feel blessed for, but it starts with our two exceptional kids, Chris and Miles. I'm sure some of you are tiring of our recent good fortune, but to be able to spend your 25th anniversary in Rome with the love of your life and your two grown children is more than we could hope for.  

During the day, we toured the Coliseum and Roman Forum, and had a pint at a Irish pub. We all then dressed up (relatively speaking), and went to a wonderful dinner in a restaurant that was built into the ruins of Teatro Pompeii. This also happened to be the place where Julius Caesar was assassinated - not bad. We capped off the evening at two separate wine bars - Sue and I ending the night reminiscing about how lucky our lives together have been. 

We are frequently told how hard we must have had it in the early days. Now, I wouldn't advise parenthood to most 20 year olds, but it never felt like a burden. We enjoyed every minute of our time with each other and with the kids. There are many paths through life, but we can't imagine a better way to spend 25 years than building a life and a family with your best friend. That, we would recommend to everyone. 

Chris and Miles gave us an incredible gift that brought us both to tears. They found five pictures that represented various stages of our life together and had an artist sketch each of them in an incredible "Ray and Sue" portfolio. Erica added to the emotional evening by giving us a wonderful photo of the five of us along with a beautifully personal letter. 

Day 1 of the next phase of our life together started with the same excitement as December 28, 1984. We don't know where we'll be in the future or what we'll be doing, but we do know "Sue and Ray" will continue to tackle the world together. 

Thank you for everyone's support and help in the last quarter century.