Bradley Gets Hitched

This weekend I traveled to Westbury New York to attend my cousin, Bradley Storz’s wedding. The Storz family is a family that I have always held very dear to my heart. They have always been the cousins that lived far away, but amazingly we were still pretty close. My Dad’s sister, Judy and her husband Freddie have always been so kind and fun. I have so many fond memories of visiting their house in Greenlawn (Long Island) New York. They now live in Raleigh NC.

I did not realize how terrific my cousin Shawn (their oldest child) was until 11 years ago at the funeral of our Grandfather, which happened at a very low point in my life. My brother was a pallbearer so I was not able to stand with him and my parents were sitting with my Grandmother. All of the Grandchildren (except the two that were pallbearers) were standing in the misty rain behind the graveside tent. At the point that it really hit me that I would never see my Granddaddy again I quietly began to sob. Shawn, standing beside me, reached around and put his arm around me for support. I imagine his overcoat still has the wrinkled imprint of my clenched fist in it. I needed someone so much at that point and there he was.

My cousin Michelle (their middle child) and I became close one summer when my parents took my brother and me to tour New York City. We spent a week up there and spent that week staying with the Storz family. I slept on a cot in Michelle’s room all week. We would stay up late talking and laughing. It was so great! From that point on we have been close. She now shares the new—twins run in our family—with me. She and her husband had twin girls last year. That makes a whole two sets of twins in our family. Michelle’s girls will be a year old in June.

And my cousin Bradley (their youngest child and the Groom) has always been special to me! He is one of the sweetest, kindest people I know. Even as little kids Bradley and I were close. He loves his family so much. All of his family . . . extended and immediate. Every time he hugs you he squeezes you so tight and yet never actually hurts you:). I have no real defining moment with Bradley because our relationship has always been a special one. I don’t know his new Bride, Christine very well, but she seems as sweet and kind as Bradley. They met in college and have been a couple ever since. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful and I had such a wonderful time visiting with my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc. I wish Bradley and Christine every ounce of happiness, that I know they both deserve, in their marriage. Bradley, thanks so much for lunch on Saturday! Love ya!