Our Families
Family means everything to us!
We are both very fortunate to have loving and supportive families.
They are at the center of our world.
Tom’s Family
Tom is one of 4 children. He grew up in a nice neighborhood surrounded by family and friends. Tom learned the value of working hard to provide for one’s family at an early age, as was demonstrated by his parents. But work isn’t everything. His parents made sure to teach their children that one must make time for their family too. His family loved to spend time together and shared many of the same friends and interests. There were block parties, long bike rides, lazy Sundays by the pool, celebrations, and days just hanging around being silly together. Their sense of humor shines. His family also excelled at sports. His parents spent many days and nights at practices and games, cheering them all on as their #1 fans. It’s fair to say that growing up for Tom was a blast. There is also a lot of compassion in his family. They share a love for animals — dogs in particular. They all have a softness in their hearts and care for them as an extension to their family.
After Tom’s parents divorce, his siblings leaned on each other and found positives to the situation. Both of Tom’s parents still live close by, and each still makes the time to be with the family. His mother has since remarried, and Tom gained a wonderful stepfather. He is a kind man who was accepted into the family easily.
Over the years, Tom’s family continued to grow. All of his siblings got married and started families of their own. To date, we have six nieces and nephews on his side of the family, all close in age. The kids love to get together and play with their cousins. Holidays, Birthdays, and many days in between!
Tom’s family is special. They are all welcoming, supportive, and caring and make anyone feel at home.
Kathleen’s Family
Kathleen grew up in an old historic home on a beautiful street, where her mother still lives. Kathleen is the youngest of 4 daughters. Her father was a big child at heart, loved his children, and had a laugh that could be heard down the block. Kathleen’s mother was a “stay at home mom” who cared not only for her children but often watched friends, family, and neighborhood children as well. She opened her home up to anyone and never asked for anything in return. Kathleen loved being home with her mom when she was younger. They always had fun together. Her mom is creative, entertaining, and has a heart as big as the moon.
Like many families, they had certain routines. Dinners were eaten together each night, there were warm rolls and bakery on Sunday mornings, and they had weekly game nights with Aunts and Uncles. Doing chores was important, and they learned tasks could be enjoyable when they helped each other. They were taught to be respectful, helpful, and kind. As they are older, Kathleen’s family enjoys being together whenever they get the chance. They speak on the phone daily, have weekly game nights and dinners, and even run errands together. Kathleen’s mom still likes to come by and watch Billy when she can. Not much has changed over the years.
Sadly, Kathleen’s father passed away. It was one of the most challenging times for her family, but they were strong and took care of each other. They find happiness in his memories and felt blessed that they were able to laugh with him until the very end. His stories will forever be told, bringing smiles to their faces.
In a nutshell – Kathleen’s family will always make sure to smile, laugh, and have fun spending time with the people they love.
