I have something important to ask you...

On a beautiful summer evening in June of 2017, the Dietrich-Donovan-Henderson family reunion at Lake Tahoe was in full-swing, and everyone seemed at ease as we gathered at Dollar Point beach for a family barbecue. I, on the other hand, was nervous as-can-be because I had something to get off my chest with Ed. You see, I intended to ask his daughter to marry me, but I had not yet conjured up the courage to ask him for his approval. And it wasn't clear to me that he did in fact approve. There were a few things we had in common (general interest in sports, of course), but there was just as much that we did not (healthy eating and physical fitness habits, for example), which became increasingly evident after spending the week together in a small cabin. But I had decided that the family barbecue would be where I would make my pitch, so while the Dietrichs, Donovans and Hendersons ate, drank, and laughed with one another, I was sweating bullets. My opportunity presented itself when I saw everyone venture out to the pier for a family photo. I quickly snagged two long-neck Coors Lights and intercepted my future father-in-law before he could join them. I remember telling him that I had something important to ask him, to which he chuckled, because he knew very well what was coming. I don’t remember what I said next, but I distinctly recall the relief that overwhelmed me when he casually said “yes.” Of course, he then started peppering me for all the details about when and where and how he would get the message to Pat without spilling the beans. But it all worked out in the end I suppose, because he threw what many still call, “the Great Wedding Ever.” I’ll never forget that afternoon at Dollar Point. Happy Birthday, Ed!