Random Ramblings

Things are getting back to normal slowly but surely....While Mitzi is upstairs getting her beauty sleep, I thought I would take a few minutes to share some thoughts and updates.

**Words can't express how grateful I am to all who reached out after my grandfather's passing. The calls, cards, e-mails, donations, and visits have helped me and my family deal with one of the most difficult times in our lives. We are so blessed to surround ourselves with such incredible people. Thank you for being there. I will never forget it.

**To those who have been waiting in suspense for news about Mitzi's new ride, it's a beautiful snow-white BMW 328 sedan with beige leather interior--a beautiful car for a beautiful woman (and thankfully, we got a beautiful deal on it.) Pictures will be posted shortly of the new addition to our family, aptly named "Sweet Bea" by Mitzi "I am not Southern" Joy.

**We are finally finished our registry! I had no idea how labor intensive registering was. I am exhausted just thinking about it. The final touch was these awesome square everyday dishes which we are very excited about. Also, most of the items we registered for at Macy's are now on sale at great discounts. You can check out our registry by clicking on the link on the left. (I hope it's not super corny to mention a sale on the blog. Macy's suggests we e-mail everyone and I can assure you that will never happen.)

**Out of towners should have received information in the mail pertaining to hotel accomodations for the weekend of the wedding. We have secured a block of rooms at the Doubletree Guest Suites, right near our house in Mount Laurel. The hotel is offering us a special rate of $109 a night for 2 adults and 2 children, available May 2 through May 5, 2008. The rate includes free breakfast. If you need more information on reserving a room, please e-mail me at michaeljsacks@comcast.net.

**We hired a videographer to capture all the fun we will be having. The company, Core Productions, was recommended by our friends Jen and Jarod. Our videographer's name is Ash Habashi. Try saying that ten times fast.

He'll still be there...

Growing up, my pop pop could do no wrong in my book. He was a superhero of sorts, always involved in many community organizations and events. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and President of his condominium in Margate for more than a decade. He brought me snowglobes from around the world, introduced me to the Phillie Phanatic, jumped the waves with me and Brittany, and made me laugh with his 10,000 jokes and yiddish sayings. He took me with him to visit family in Baltimore and Chicago, shared with me my first sour tomato, and showed me around the Italian Market, where we watched in amazement as the man behind the counter sliced a fish like a bagel and you could still see its working organs fully in tact (quite cool for a 12-year-old boy, or a 34-year-old for that matter.) I always looked forward to my time with him, whether it be sitting on my sofa as he let my dogs chew on his thumb, or praying next to him in temple during the high holidays. He had a grand laugh, a grand presence and a grand love for life. He was my pop pop, and I was so blessed to have him for as long as I did. In his presence, I always felt a warmth, a very special bond.

Today, we lost him, one month shy of his 87th birthday. And as I am writing this, the reality is hitting me very hard. One of my grandfather's wishes was to see that I was married....not just to anyone mind you, but to an incredible woman who would make my life complete. My grandfather had the chance to meet Mitzi on several occasions. They shared conversations and laughs. I could see a special relationship forming. I know how happy he was. And while we won't be able to hear his toast, pose with him for photos, or watch him walk down the aisle May 4, I know he will be there....and I will feel his warmth.

So long Pop Pop. Your tutila loves you and always will.