Dear Jerry,

June 19, 1994

Just found a moment to sit down and write to you. I cannot tell you how happy I am that you are getting married. I know you thoughts on the topic, but the romantic in me cannot help but sigh. Christine is a wonderful person, and she understands you so well. You have made a great choice.

My opinion has not always been so. I remember when we first met her. Kathy and I had come down, and we met you at the Sarasota Brewing Company. She was so much younger then and very shy. I thought, “First Jerry goes out with a much older woman, now he’s robbing the cradle!”. Its amazing how faulty first impressions can be. Christine proved to be incredibly intelligent, insightful, and a bunch of fun! Thank God we both found mates the other can enjoy. Can the adjacent houses be too far behind?

As you approach the ritual, remember I am only a phone call, e-mail (while not on Internet yet, you can reach me, and I can reply through Prodigy for now), and a short plane flight away. It is my pleasure to have the opportunity to give back (and so soon) the wonderful support you gave as best man. Also, keep in mind that Kathy has just planned a whole wedding and will be happy to give advice and lend support to Christine.

I enclose a little book I picked up when Kathy and I first got engaged. It takes a light approach to your job as groom. I found it enjoyable to read, containing some laughs, some good hints about the grooms role, and some good advice on the entire experience.

Its not literature or art (no suffering by its author), so do not judge it harshly. Just sit back with a pint and enjoy.

One bit of advice while I think about it. I am sure I will have more. While I assume you will not get married religion, I strongly recommend a “Weekend for the Engaged”. A good one will not harp so much on the spiritual aspect of the marriage, although I know that when they do, you will filter the information appropriately and use what you can. Also, as things get more crazy with the wedding plans (and school, and family, and applications for doctoral programs), the weekend will allow you and Christine the opportunity to get alone and reflect on the real reasons for being together.

I will sign off for now. I promise to reply once I receive your letter. Say hello to all!

June 20, 1994

I did not get a chance to mail this off today, so I thought I would take care of my typos. That being done, I wish to relay a couple of bits of information to you. First, it seems that I will be involved in a mortgage renegotiation with a company in Atlanta. My boss is discussing the possibility of flying down for negotiations. My hope is to schedule it around a weekend. I will keep you informed, and if I do get down, I thought maybe we could spend the weekend together, either in Atlanta or somewhere in Florida.

Next, the bombshell. Kathy and I were sitting and watching TV when something reminded me of home. I looked to her and asked very calmly, “Are you sure I cannot get you to go home with me?” For the first time, she indicated she might be interested. We talked briefly again today because she looked up Naples in Martindale­-Hubble (A directory of firms and lawyers). It seems that I have the go ahead to begin a job search down there. Maybe you should reconsider your plans to leave. Maybe we really can have our houses next to each other! More on this later.

Also, while I think about it, I will need to begin a list of those people you wish to invite to your bachelor party. I also need to gather your thoughts on what you would like to do. Last, have you given any thought to your rehearsal dinner? Let me know if I can be of assistance in that matter.

Yet again, I sign off. Until next time.

Love,

Kip