Welcome Back

I've been pretty open with everyone about my life and that's because I have a great life and I want to share it. I haven't really written in a while because I've been busy enjoying that life. I've been through some good and I've been through some bad in recent years but that's part of life, you have obstacles put in front of you and sometimes those obstacles are a test of your will. Those tests can be very, very difficult at times and I'm finally going to open back up. So, welcome back to my life.

About two months before Brooke and I got married I got a phone call from my Dad, my Grandpa had been sick so I was expecting it to be about that, what he told me was something I never thought I would ever hear him say, "Your Mom and I are getting a separation."Anyone who knows my parents knows how big of a shock this was. My parents? Getting a divorce? How could that be? I've seen my parents argue, I've seen them bicker, but I never thought one of them would be unhappy and feel like moving on. Never.

That wasn't really the news I wanted to hear before I was about to start my life, but nonetheless I had to swallow that pill and move on. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with, and I lost two grandparents nine weeks apart. It took me a while until I was able to speak with either one of them on the phone without breaking down in tears. I love my parents more than anything but I just didn't get it and maybe I never will. I still talk to them, I won't lie though, it's weird. It'll always be weird. My wife went through the same thing when she was younger so I had someone to lean on and help get me through this and to be honest, if I didn't have her I don't know what would've happened.

Not even a month later I got a call from my mom, "Your Dad had a heart attack". Are you kidding me? Did she really just say that? I was beginning to think my parents were trying to steal my spotlight before the wedding. Why was this happening to me all at once? Did I do something wrong and this was God's way of punishing me? I didn't think I deserved this. Again, I looked to my wife and again, she was there. My dad is doing fine now but it was scary. My mom is also doing well, she's in Harrisburg with my sister and her family. If I learned anything from those two events, it's that life is full of unexpected adventures and if you don't have someone to give you a boost when you need it, that adventure can be scary.

As many of you know the love I have for my wife can only be matched by the love I have for Penn State football (I'm kidding, sorta.) She is what keeps me going, she motivates me, she picks me up when I'm down, she loves me, and she helps me. Brooke is the most important aspect of my life because of all those things and I am nothing without her, but I am everything with her.

I've said this before, marriage isn't perfect. It's always a work in progress because you are trying to make it as perfect as you can. You have to go through the bad to get to the good and when you get to the good and you have someone to share it with there is absolutely no better feeling. I hope all of you can find someone to share it with and to enjoy your life with.

You'll be hearing from me soon, but until then, welcome to my life.