Thanks to the Italian Family in Chicago this went better than we could have imagined. Patrick wanted to make sure his family was all in one place at the same time. Celebrating Christmas at the Romito home he knew every cousin was in town so it was a full house. Everyone was in one room with Patrick's mom (Bubbles) right in front. Not a soul in the world knew what was going to happen besides Patrick and his cousin Ron. They staged a birthday toast for his 50th which was earlier that December. The Entire Family was gathered in a circle with Champagne in hand ready to toast his birthday when things went in a completely different direction. During the toast Ron asked if Patrick had anything to add. At that point he got teary eyed, told a lovely story about his family and then spoke about Olga with an open heart. He got on one knee, told Olga he was In Love with her and asked her to marry him. It was a room filled with emotions to say the least. Patrick's family is not afraid to cry. He says tears are often like laughter to this group. Of course Patrick is often sarcastic, but this moment was as real as they come. There was not a dry eye in the room which is why the Chicago Family made this a day to remember. We love you all and look forward to filling the ocean with some happy tears with you in Mexico.

Barbara Sammarco is still filling our lives with laughter. She raised Phil, Patrice and myself on her own in Mt. Prospect, IL. I was a red headed handful that kept her on her toes, but with many wooden spoons and lots of love she managed to get the job done. Although Albert Sammarco left us way to soon in 1973, Barb says that Patrick is still a lot like him. Albert was a character with many friends but always had time for family. He was the youngest child just like Patrick and knew how to treat the Italian drama with a light heart. We think about Albert all the time. Barbara raised the three kids alone and we can never thank her enough. Never. I love you Mom. Although I am sorry I was not the most obedient child I have to admit we had a ton of fun. I have so many memories with my mom but I will only share two short stories here: Barb once thought it would be a nice lesson to leave me in jail when I got caught riding a motorcycle without a license at age 14. The Police had to call her a few times and clarify that it was not an overnight camp. She eventually came against her will. Another time she called the police about one of the many Keg parties I was having. This particular evening she called from dinner downtown before she got home and told the officer: "I am not home right now, but I just know my son is having a party" True Story.

I was born in the former Soviet Union. My father Afanasi and Elizabeth raised five kids with great love. I am the youngest and was easily the most challenging for them. I felt like I had everything to be honest. My mother was called to school almost weekly. It was mostly for talking back to teachers which is not exactly a common Russian trait at the time. My father was very sweet and soft spoken, but also very well known in the small town I was from. My father treated me like an angel. He never once raised his voice to me so my mother did the discipline in the home. My parents met when they were children. He was ten and she was six. She was told not to hang around his street because there was a naughty boy she didn't need to be around. She moved away a year or so later and they met again 20 years later and never lived apart again. They always said to me "you will meet a nice boy from Chicago who will love you forever" (Patrick made me add that last sentence) Although my parents are no longer with me they're in my memories and my heart forever.

My sister Patrice and brother in law Sam Donofrio have been raising their two kids in Libertyville, IL. Jack is a Senior at Indiana graduating in Mixology and some Finance thing. Jack will be defending his Texas Hold'em title in Vegas. Someday anyways. Sarah is at Libertyville High School entertaining the locals with her voice and dramatic acting skills I presume my sister taught her over the years. They're a wonderful family. Sam is a rock star bro in law and Patrice just got her medical marijuana card so we are very proud of her. My big brother Phil and his wife Bonnie are living in Atanta. They travel the world and explore some of the best restaurants the mouth can enjoy. Phil is still doing yoga five times a week with Bonnie and their charity "The Human Fund" grows every year. My mother Barb just completed her third half marathon and is still bartending at the Polish American Tavern. She's a card and she needs to be dealt with for sure. Needless to say we grew up with humor and sarcasm.

If Blessing are friends and we think they are, we are beyond fortunate. We cannot say enough about our friends. You know who you are. Those in Chicago, Arizona and various cities around the world: Thank you for supporting us individually and as a team. From our European friends in Scottsdale to the Chicago crew, we can't seem to find enough time to visit everyone which is a wonderful problem to have. Planning a vacation to share in our wedding will be one the greatest memories we will share with you. We thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts. Мы любим вас о We love you so much!!