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One of the best parts of being a parent is raising kids (in our case – Josh and Drew) who grow into adults you actually like! And as an added bonus, sometimes they actually marry (or in Drew’s case – get engaged) to ladies you think are really terrific like Josh’s wife Kristen. So that’s my big news, I’ve let the cat out of the bag. Our “boomerang” son is now an official fiancé. On Tuesday, December 19, on a private beach replete with strewn roses, he gave Carly a ring and she accepted. What an incredible production! True to his calling as an event manager, Drew orchestrated the engagement down to the last detail even including a limo with a preview DVD for her to watch on her way to the “location.” And did you know they even make lighted ring boxes, the better to display the ring when the moonlight doesn’t suffice.

I wish I could say he takes after me when it comes to planning and details. But, to be perfectly honest, I never got down on one knee and mumbled the actual words. Carol and I got engaged over the counter of the Silver Rod Drugstore in good old Brooklyn. I was busy selling newspapers and cigarettes to people coming off the D Train and she was restocking the shampoo aisle. (It must have been that sexy smock.) Boy, does that bring back memories and boy … have we come a long way, baby.

I think that’s why we’ve been together more than 35 years. We’re a complementary couple. Carol always tells me the devil is in the details. That’s usually when I’ve met someone who would be a great story for the paper. Only to arrive at her desk, without the contact information she needs to set the interview into motion. She’ll give me that very familiar exasperated sigh. And that’s when I tell her that without my “big” idea, we wouldn’t need the details, but I’ll try to do better next time.

After all, if “The Donald” could give Miss USA a second chance …

But I think that by now, Carol realizes that the “next time” will be just like the last, and we’ll do the same “dance” again. Maybe that’s what a 35 year marriage is all about, knowing when to follow, when to lead, when to make an issue of it, when to let it go. In any case, what I wish for both my sons are marriages that last, and the wisdom to learn “the dance”, while making beautiful music together along the way. Welcome to the Felix family, Carly, we’re glad you’re here.

Charles Felix, Publisher