Matt, #1 draft pick, sporting his new jersey from Team Cheryl. It looks to be a promising year, for Mike at least, more team members translates into less duties for him.

The family posing where else? Near the bar.

Lex and Buffy sporting their brother's Prep jerseys.

The godparents and Matt.

Hanging in the back of the family catering place.

The clan hanging with G-Ma on the Porch.

Sunday, July 2nd
Erie, PA

Back in Erie! That phrase will annoy some more than others. Keri and I stayed with our family friends the Bestwicks. They have been friends to our family as long as I can remember. They often put up the whole crew; Mike, Cheryl, John and Keri. That is task unto itself. I guess the best way to some them up is this. I am blessed that there are many places around this country that I feel welcome, with them I feel at home. Thanks again Jack and Judy.

Keri and I rolled to Blessed Sacrament for 11am mass. This was our home parish (church) for our family for over 15 years. We went to school there from 1st to 8th grade. It’s an upper middle class blue collar church. What really helped was that we were a Bingo Parish. If you didn’t grow up Catholic or a really Catholic area this means that our church, school, and facilities were top notch. Let’s put it this way. We had two gyms, our own football field that hosted all the grade school games in the city and is nicer and better maintained than over 75% of the high school football fields in Memphis. At church Keri ran into an old friend and we then met Bill, Amanda, and Bill’s Mom for lunch at the Oakwood Café for lunch. We had great conversation and I got caught up with Bill’s Mom. She is a retired math teacher and she is more active in her retirement than I am in my career.

From there I went and helped my uncle Dave get the adult libations set up for Matt’s graduation party. For those wondering why a graduation party so late in summer, obviously you are not from Erie. Although you graduate from high school in early June the parties are spread throughout the summer so that everyone can attend every one else’s party. In Erie you never miss and opportunity to have a party.

The party was great. I ran into teachers of mine form high school who also taught Matt. It as odd to have a beer with them but it is was still great to catch up with them and the goings on of Prep. The family was insane. We came from all over. We yelled, screamed, danced, and generally had a great time. My 89 year grandmother hung for the bulk of the party. She has tons of energy and is always the life of the party. One of the best gifts that Matt received was from my cousin Julie. Julie is the oldest grandchild and is the godmother of Matt while I, the second oldest, is the godfather. As I wrote earlier matt is headed to CBU in Memphis for college. Therefore Julie gave Matt a T-Shirt that stated he was the #1 Draft Pick of Team Cheryl. For the uninitiated, Team Cheryl is not only a state of mind but a real thing. Anyone who knows my Mom wells enough has done a favor for her, much like she has probably done for you. When you are at the house you pick things up run errands, most of these come in the form of “Question/Favors”. We ride her about it but it the fact that so many people of different ages and backgrounds are friends of hers so much about her. So be sure to check the pic that has the T-Shirt.