Our story started, when my friend and Jacki's brother, Rex asked what I was doing for the Cat-Griz game in November 2019. He was getting a group of our mutual friends together to watch the game at the Briarwood. I told him that I had a morning tee time scheduled, but would stop by at the turn to see how the start of the game was going and join them after I had finished. So I play nine holes, wander into the bar area to say hello to everyone and Rex introduces to me to his sister Jacki.

My first impression of her was she was cute, cordial, wearing her grey sweatshirt with a big M supporting the winning team that day and drinking IPAs. What not to love? So I continue on with my golf round, and eventually rejoin Jacki, Rex & Co. for the remainder of the game which ended up being a snooze-fest, so we had plenty of time to get to know one another.

I apparently made a good first impression, as Jacki meant to give me her number before she left with the group to the next bar to celebrate the win...or so she says. She asked Rex for my number, and Rex told her, "The next steps up to you Jacki!"...and so I immediately got a Facebook friend request and a message with a her number.

We went on our first date a week later at the Red Door Lounge for drinks and to watch people impress or fail at karaoke. We continued seeing each other through the holidays and in the spring, we talked about getting married and having a family together.

In March, we found out we were expecting our beautiful baby boy. And were both ecstatic with the news! On July 11, before a family friend's BBQ, I surprised Jacki and asked her to spend forever with me. She said yes and we showed up with Jacki sporting a shiny new ring to show off to all her family and friends.

On December 8th, Jacki delivered our son, Emmett James O'Toole, and since then we haven't been able to keep our hands off of him! He's a big smiler and loves everyone he meets. For those of you who haven't been able to meet Jacki, Emmett or myself because of the pandemic's travel restrictions, we are all looking forward to meeting new and seeing old friends again.

Until our big day in August where we are looking forward to celebrating with all of you, "May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."