On June 26, 1999, I said “I do” to the love of my life. Tomorrow, we celebrate 22 years of marriage! Keri is my best friend and a great mom to our 3 kids. She’s been a faithful supporter of my entrepreneurial journey here at the firm, and a perfect match for me! She’s one of only 5 people on the face of this planet who has read the manuscript to my new book coming out in September. And, like a best friend and wife would do…she gave it 5 stars😍! Below I share a precious memory that resembles the wife and friend she has been to me over the years. She’s stood by my side through thick and thin. I can count on her to be there for me, just like she was 10 years ago during the toughest time in my life.
Keri, I love you. Thank you for journeying alongside me these past 22 years! The Best Is Ahead!
Excerpt from Retirement Stepping Stones, Chapter 1, Pages 6-7.
“…Keri stood faithfully by my side in the receiving line. She was seven months pregnant with our third child, a little boy who would be born in May. There was a reprieve from the sadness of the moment when many of the mourners expressed their congratulations for the little one who would soon arrive.
“How far along are you?”
“Is it a boy or a girl?”
The questions I was asking myself, though, were more pointed: “Why, Mom, did you leave two months before he was born? Your first grandson! What an awesome grandma you would have been to him. Why did you do this?”
The line of visitors stretched on, and the condolences continued.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“You have my sympathy.”
“Thank you,” I murmured. “Thank you. Thank you.”
Throughout the day, I kept trying to get Keri to sit down. I suggested she drink more water and that she get some food. She refused, gave me a hug, smiled, and asked how I was doing. Hours later, we were still greeting those who had come. Later I learned that Keri had been having contractions all day, likely the result of standing far too long and not drinking enough water. But she never left me there alone. She stood by my side, and she still does today.
That day, of all days, she lived out our wedding vows:
“For better or for worse.”
