2 Weddings & a Vow

Yesterday was a two-wedding day! We attended the weddings of:

Katie Austgen & Andrew Albright (Pat’s U Michigan teammate & roommate)

Annie Stanley & Grant Hendricks (daughter of good friends and the girl that son Nick took to his Junior Prom).

Above is a drawing by the bride’s mother, the amazing Sal Stanley.

Each ceremony and celebration were crafted with love and full of connections, promise, light, creativity, privilege, joy.
My life was made much better by being included as a guest.

I vow to be a better wife, mother, friend, connector because of this too.

1 Chorinthians 13, 4 – 7.
“Love is patient; love is kind and envies noone…”

Big Blue – Burnham Example

The new Big Blue Swim School in Eden’s Plaza, Wilmette, brings to mind Daniel Burnham’s quote – “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood. Aim high in hope and work.”

Only a few years ago, Big Blue Co-Founder Chris DeJong was a University of Michigan swimmer, daydreaming about opening an indoor swim school for young children with warm, welcoming pools. Upon graduation, in Burhamesque fashion, he aimed high – straight for that dream – and used the same work ethic and team building skills which made him a college champion to bring his dream to life.

DeJong partnered with John Lonergan III, to launch a quickly successful swim instruction program in Glenview about 2 years ago, developed a business plan and financial support, and opened Big Blue last weekend. He grew from college swimmer to successful swimming entrepreneur in a few short years.

Al Segreti, Art Lutschaunig, Erin Lonergan & John Lonergan IV, Founder John Lonergan III, Founder Chris DeJong, Jessica DeJong, John Schoser

 

The cheerful facility with 91 degree – that’s right, 91 degree – water makes me yearn for young children again, with whom to enjoy it. Big Blue is sure to gleefully stir the imaginations and the swimming confidence of its young students.

Since DeJong and Lonergan make no small plans, it seems likely that there will be more success to come too.