We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe

Our blogsite has laid quiet and so too has our home. We received word on March 10th that our dear friend Tom Dougherty had passed away suddenly, leaving behind his amazing wife Andie and gorgeous 3 week old son Connor, as well as his beautiful parents, siblings and a small city of extended family and loved ones.

It is during times like these that words fail us; the words that we count on to convey our sympathy, our sorrow, our understanding.
Tragic, heart breaking, inconceivable - all are insufficient in describing such a penetrating and profound feeling of loss. But then, with a young man like Tommy, words always failed us.
Tom was funny - hysterically funny - bright, warm, genuine, special, beautiful, heartfelt, and so much more...
He was a son, a brother, a friend, a mentor...and for too brief a time, he celebrated his most treasured role as a husband to Andie and father to Connor.

Tom's spirit will stay with us; it will grow in his infant son and will continue to be celebrated by his beautiful and inspirational wife, whom we are blessed to know and love. In every bear hug we get, every gnome statue we pass, and every sarcastic joke that we laugh at, there will be a small celebration of Tom's life.
We thank God and the entire Dougherty family for allowing us to be a part of his life and theirs. We look forward to loving, laughing, and remembering with them in the years to come.

"and this is the wonder that's keeping the starts apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)"

Porque Sin Ti, El Mundo Ya Me Da Igual

We've been keeping in touch with MK and promised to keep you posted. She and I spoke for a long while last night and laughed ALOT! We are so blessed to have the kind of technology that enables us to have real-time communication with no emotional hindrances or delays. We giggled like the little girls we will always be inside and, as usual, Dom only knew what we were talking about 50% of the time. And this morning, all seems right with the world again...

Mary Katherine is really enjoying Barcelona, but admits to getting lost quite a bit. Dominick assured her that getting lost is to be expected and can really be an adventure when you find wonderful hidden places in the journey. Luckily, her clients are understanding and helpful in getting her acquainted with her new home. Her job at Audi is going well, and she has taken on a few individual lesson clients as well. She hopes to continue to add work as she becomes more accustomed to commuting in and out of the different regions.

Finding an apartment has proven to be another challenging adventure: so far, those that don't have chain smokers (MK is allergic to smoke) are in sketchy areas. She has a few more interviews this week that she hopes pan out, so keep your fingers crossed!

All in all, MK is happy and eager to get into a routine. she has a drumming audition this Sunday and we'll let you know how that goes! She sends her love to all and many thanks for your warm thoughts and prayers...





Things with Dom and I are great. Dom's first round of licensing exams are this week, so our office will be something of a tomb this weekend as he finalizes his preparation. I hope that all of you and safe and sound as this winter (albeit mild) comes to a close!

You're a Star in the Face of the Sky

It has been brought to my attention that I did not divulge much information about Mary Katherine's voyage to Spain - most specifically, the purpose of her relocation.

So in response to your inquires......

Yes, Mary Katherine has moved to Spain to become "La Matadora".

Not really, but James' comment made MK and me laugh so hard that I couldn't resist the opportunity to display my terrible photo editing skills!

Mary Katherine is still in the process of discovering what her "career" might be. In the meantime, she is working freelance as an ESL teacher for professionals. Her first job began today at the Audi offices in Barcelona.

Her next goal is to find a good housing situation. She has an interview this evening with 2 young professionals looking for a roommate closer to the downtown area.

Mary Katherine was so touched to learn that folks from home were asking after her - she and I will be sure to keep you all up to date on her adventures!