Landlord and renter 30 years later (June 10, 2025)

 Papa and I met when I rented a room in the House of Light and Joy to study for the bar exam in the summer of 1994. The boys stayed with their Dad while I studied. Papa lived at his Mom's but would come over to check his mail. Two things that made a favorable impression on him: (1) I paid three months rent up front; and (2) when the plumbing in the bathroom backed up, I saved the wooden floors by stuffing towels under the door. Maybe TMI, but when he went shirtless to dig up the sewer line in the front yard, I couldn't help but notice his glistening muscles. Sigh. Plus he's a very sweet guy who's into yoga and cats. Only after we were married did I find out about the football hotline and a garage full of tools. All good! We exchanged vows on the deck of the House of Light and Joy on June 10, 1995. The spot is now at the end of the kitchen island, thanks to our 2008 remodel.

Some of you have shared our entire journey. Some of you have joined us along the way. Some have left us too soon, with sweet memories.

Evelyn wouldn't let Papa wear blue jeans. She hemmed some khaki slacks for him. We would have been just as married either way. But he did wear his desert boots! 

Micah put wire rim glasses on Papa for the bride and groom pinata.

What's a wedding without a chance to somersault out of the elm tree onto a trampoline?

Martin and Ramzi, skateboarder/snowboarder

Thirty years later. Same spot, same clothes, same bride and groom. The glass door in the 1995 photo is now the opening between the living room and kitchen.