Through Pasi's eyes...
Among the many things that Lisa and I have in common is our fantastic taste in friends. The more time we spent together, the more overlapping friendships Lisa and I realized we shared. Several of my friends from college turned out to be her friends from childhood; my best friend from Stanford was dating (and would eventually marry) her best friend from CU Boulder. In particular, I have to thank Todd and Rebecca for our initial introduction, Sarah and Corin for having a 5th of July BBQ where we shared our first kiss, and Seth and Molly for putting in a good word for me before I met Lisa's dad, Bill, for the first time. We've been lucky enough to surround ourselves with great people, and in doing so, found each other. My persistence in pursuing Lisa finally paid off and for the last several years I have been lucky enough to enjoy her company, laughter, beauty, sense of humor, support, understanding, independence, adventurous spirit, patience, and love. Whether running marathons, traveling to Africa to teach at an orphanage, completing her masters thesis, or organizing fund raisers to help children half a world away, Lisa continues to inspire me with her work ethic and genuinely good heart.
With the support of my friends, and the wonderful example set by our parents (Peter and Rhonda / Bill and Cathie), I look forward to a life full of laughter and love with Lisa and to celebrating with you all in April...
As Pasi mentioned, our meeting had a lot to do with our amazing friends. We met on a weekend surrounded by some of my favorite friends who were visiting from out of town. Pasi was living in La Jolla completing his first year of medical school while I was teaching kindergarten and applying to graduate school. I was immediately drawn to him and remember being completely swept away by the end of our conversation. And then my patience was tested… We emailed for a few months, I happened to “show up” at a few barbecues and we finally became Pasi and Lisa after what seemed (to me) like forever! Pasi was “persistent” and I was patient.Anyone who has met Pasi knows how lucky I am to have him in my life. On our first date, a hike to the top of Cowles Mountain, I had forgotten to eat lunch and mentioned this to him on the phone. Knowing that I was hungry, but not knowing what I liked, he brought two drinks, fruit (dried and fresh), bars (sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy), and crackers/cheese. This gesture could not describe Pasi more perfectly. He is thoughtful, generous, aware, kind, genuine, and the most loving man I know. He has brought out the best in me, supported my independence, become my tennis partner and running buddy, and encouraged me in everything I have been interested in pursuing.
A special thank you to all of our friends for the role you have played in bringing Pasi and I together and to our parents for showing us how amazing it is to marry the love of your life. I cannot wait to celebrate this time with all of you!
