Once upon a time, there were two People going about living their best lives, like most of us, unaware of what their futures held. The Journey of Life is fascinating, fun and fantastic. It is also unpredictable. After 25 Years and three wonderful Children, Patrick found himself at a different stage of his life. Miriam’s life journey took her from a newborn in Staten Island, New York to a childhood of 18 years as a “Zonian” in the Panama Canal Zone, Panama. She left Panama to attend College in Texas, where she began her Career, and eventually married. After nearly a decade and a half, she too found herself starting the next stage of her life. Both embarking on their new life circumstances, a chance encounter at a Conference in Memphis was the start of a long-distance telephonic friendship. During these phone calls, they realized they shared common values and interests. Both Patrick and Miriam were hesitant to even attempt a long-distance relationship, with Miriam’s business and social world in Dallas and Patrick’s Family, Friend’s and Law Practice in Chicago. A one-day visit to Aspen gave little Sister, Jeanette Harrington, and close Friends an opportunity to vet this Bond fella. Following this brief, and completely unexpected cross-examination and a Thumbs-Up from the Interrogation Squad, it felt like something special existed between these two relative strangers from different parts of the world and two completely different worlds. The telephone calls became more personal and a relationship was blossoming from this friendship. Her long-time Boss, who had come to be a Father figure in her life, sensing her growing interest in the Chicago Attorney, recommend she consider relocating to the Chicagoland area to see if this was, in fact, the real deal. With the assurance that her Job was safe, she recruited her close Friend Nomi Stone, packed up her belongings of 28 years and trekked the 903 miles to Naperville, Illinois. Once she arrived in Chicago, she was immediately welcomed by the Bond Family and the wide circle of close Friends. The introduction to the Bond Kids still had to be navigated, and would have to happen without a Playbook or step-by-step instructions. Although hesitant at first, Blake, Kendall and Maggie politely greeted Miriam. Allowing this relative stranger into the close-knit Bond inner circle, however, would take some time, much patience, trust and faith. A few good meals brought Blake around pretty quickly. Spending some time with Maggie, attending her hoops games and meeting many from her Crew, gave Maggie time to get to know Miriam. Kendall’s “Foodie” interests and business experience provided common ground for them to bond. Murphy and even Stella were immediately on board with the beautiful woman in Uncle Pat’s life. Before long, Miriam was IN! This amazing journey has lead us to this moment. To a new beginning. To a new Family dynamic. To the “I DO” and to Mr. Patrick and Mrs. Miriam Bond. We thank all of our Family and Friends who have shared in our journey and are such an integral part of our Story. Now for the next blessed Chapter. ❤️