Meet the Silver Lining

It's been a sleep-deprived few months for me. We married off our oldest child and only daughter (blinking back a tear!), we've been prepping our house for sale (where did all this junk come from?), I facilitated the move of the office across campus to a space at about half the size but with at least twice the challenges (including a sporadically functioning elevator!), and last week I was graced with a head cold.

But today, instead of bemoaning my losses (in no particular order)...daughter, house, office, things I can't even think of because lack of sleep has destroyed so many brain cells...I've decided to look for the silver lining!  

So let me think...until recently, I'd been getting quite a bit of exercise, I've lost 2.5 pounds, the housing market is picking up, and oh yeah, I've gained a son-in-law!  

About a year and half ago the future son-in-law sent me this text,

So you, mike, and I need to sit down and have a talk about my intentions soon. When's good for you? 

We planned a lunch at Applebee's in response and enjoyed a nice meal with light conversation. We paid the check and the three of us just sat there in silence. And just when I thought we'd be heading back to work unrewarded, Curt asked our permission to marry Chelsea. While it may seem old-fashioned, we were thoroughly impressed!

It's been a great 2 1/2 years getting to know Curt and his family: Scott & Carol, Paul & Kristen, and Ryan & Bonnie. It's been easy to like Curt from the beginning...he's smart, funny, thoughtful, and laughs at my jokes (or at least he's kind enough to humor me...pun intended)! But most of all, it's obvious that he loves our daughter with all his heart!

So everyone please welcome the newest member of our family, Curt James Toppin. And while I'm not in any hurry, I can't help but smile at the prospect of curly-haired grandchildren ;)

Welcome to our family Curt!

The Toppin Clan