Happy Anniversary

It is hard to imagine, but my parents DID have a life without me before I was even a twinkle in their very eyes. 10 years ago, Mommy had a great idea to put on a benefit show at UCSB to raise money and awareness for breast cancer in honor of HER Mommy. With the fundraising, sign-making, shirt creating and idea partaking help of her amazing girlfriends/roommates (April, Brandy, Damien, Devon, Jennifer, Sarah and Tammy to be exact!), the R.A.I.N.S. organization was founded on the campus of UCSB. Standing for "Raising Awareness In the Name of Sharon", they worked tirelessly to obtain funding from the University to offset the cost of throwing a benefit show, recruiting bands to play the event, advertising for the show, looking for sponsors for raffle prizes, etc. Little did any of them know that they were actually setting the stage for my parents to meet and end up together.

My Dad plays the guitar, as many of you are aware, and was in a band called Pressure 4-5 during this same time. It was suggested to Mommy that she get his band to play the benefit show and Pressure ended up offering to play for free! Prior to the actual show, Mommy went to see Daddy's band play and was a little concerned at the rowdiness of the crowds they drew, but they seemed to make an impact on each other (I think Mommy told her girlfriends that she had a new "boyfriend"...that was code in their girl language.)

Anyway, the benefit show was a success and since this was in the days before digital photos, we don't have any to post. The event raised money for breast cancer awareness, Mommy found a way to honor Sharon's memory, AND Daddy ended up asking Mommy to come to a battle of the bands show that weekend. They still laugh that when asked what they were talking about that evening, Daddy said "We are getting married" and Mommy said "You have to be engaged first"...so they were technically engaged to be married from the get go.

Fast forward to October 14, 2006...Mommy and Daddy took their vows in front of their family and friends in a beautiful ceremony and have cherished every day since. Happy Anniversary to my parents and I wish them many, many, many more to come!