There are moments that stick out in my head when I think back on my childhood that make me laugh so hard that I start to cry. Like, for example, the time my father helped Carl Jr. and I decorate for Christmas while my mom was at a parent-teacher conference, and we hung my mom’s pantyhose from the mantle. Or how, for several years as a child, I began to think my name was actually Kelly because we all lovingly referred to each other as characters from Married with Children. My parents have a really unique sense of humor, which is one of the things I’m glad they've passed onto me. I guess you can say they are their own special kind of crazy (and that’s coming from a licensed clinician). I love them tremendously for being just who they are.

          My parents grew up in New Milford. They went to high school together, but didn't really connect until they were in their twenties, when they got to know each other playing in the same bowling league (insert King Pin joke here?). They married in 1978, and lived together in their first home in Hackensack for 6 years until they had me (…which are referred to as “the happy years” by my dad). My mom made her career working in various capacities for an aerospace engineering firm, and my dad runs his own plumbing business.

          They raised Carl Jr. and me in Hasbrouck Heights. Our house always seemed to be the gathering place for my friends (which just overjoyed my dad, who liked to turn in early). Some of my happiest memories are of my friends gathered in my parents’ backyard swimming or making noise and annoying the neighbors, while enjoying some homemade “Pammy Crocker” brownies.

          I think I’m most grateful to my parents for instilling in me a strong sense of responsibility, and fierce independence. Despite the fact that it may seem I no longer need them as much as I once did, it still always feels good to go home and be taken care of from time to time. No matter how old I get or how far I travel, my dad will always greet me as Tinkerbell when I walk through the door, and my mom will always try to feed me something the moment I sit down.

         I love you guys, and can’t wait to celebrate with you. Dad – get your dancing shoes ready! One of the things I’m most looking forward to is dancing with you at my wedding.