By Christy Bonstell

Last year, around this same time, I was lucky enough to have Rene standing up in my wedding. Now, I get to stand here and speak at his. Lucky is a good word to describe how I feel about my friendship with Rene. I’m lucky I met him four years ago. Lucky he was there when I made a leap of faith and moved to Chicago. Lucky to have him introduce me to the man that is now my husband, and lucky he was there for me through my pregnancy. Lucky, also, that he is my son Keagan’s loving and watchful godfather.

I’m lucky that Rene is a part of my story. But I also feel lucky to be a part of his. Lucky to have been there when he said “There’s this cute girl on my new improv team. She likes hip hop. And she has a job,” he said excitedly. “But I don’t want to be THAT guy.”

I’m glad I told him to be that guy.

I knew Rene was serious about Jaime when he started buying Zyrtec in bulk, so he could be around the cats without sneezing. And then, when he asked her to move in. And then, when he started sending me links to diamond websites.

Then, at my son’s 2nd birthday party, when he pulled me aside in the kitchen and told me how badly he wanted to propose, but couldn’t get down on one knee. I told him, this time, don’t worry about being that guy.

And he didn’t. And I guess Jaime didn’t mind much either.

I’m lucky to have Rene in my life. But now I feel doubly lucky I get to be a part of his life with Jaime.

Let’s raise a glass to Rene and Jaime and wish them all the luck in the world.

To Rene and Jaime!