Thank You, Eddy

I've heard it said that the people in your life that you can totally be yourself with can be counted on one hand. I gratefully share that Eddy and Wendy Eschner are 2 of those people in my life. I met Eddy first, about 14 years ago, and our memories/stories were made after he married Wendy: family camping, road & boat trips, birthday parties, and LONG talks about pregnancy, parenthood, marriage and divorce (mine!). Their first child was born 4 months before my son , and we've been secretly planning the wedding ever since! Then came my daughter, and the littlest Eschner, at the same time. Eddy embraced the adventure that the kids brought into his life just like any other: with wonder, laughter and love.

Thanks Eddy:

For my first rattlesnake, and up-close Golden eagle encounter, on the road trip to Ely,

For the most amazing dutch oven meals, on our annual President's Day camping trip,

For not leaving the parties when I declared "OK everyone, thanks for coming, now get the _ _ _ _ out!" Hanging out with you after everyone left was the best part of those parties,

For walking me through how to handle a swarm of bees in my backyard, and for not laughing (at least out loud) when you said "don't jump in the pool", and I replied "I'm calling you from the pool",

For not only understanding, but for admitting that you felt the same way, when I shared the most inappropriate, politically incorrect, and sometimes criminal thoughts and frustrations about pregnancy and being a parent! For all the "yeah, ha ha ha ha, me too" and the "no way, you too?'" during those talks,

For the assurance that I was not and will not become broken and crazy, during the darkest hours of my divorce, when I was absolutely convinced that I was.

Dr. Seuss wrote: "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." Eddy, you never minded, and you'll always matter. Thanks for the incredible blessings you've brought to my kids, and my life.

We love you,

Trish and the kids