On January 15, 2012 I became a member of a house divided. I married my best friend from high school who attended FSU from 1992 to 1995. I was at UF during those years. She gladly donned the mantle of a UF fan and supported me in my fanaticism for the Orange and Blue. We brought into this world two beautiful twin babies on June 8, 2012 (one boy and one girl) and watched them grow strong and healthy into a budding Gator linebacker and Gator volleyball player complete with orange and blue Gator onesies.

My wife, best friend and soul mate passed away unexpectedly on July 2nd 2013 after having the chance to see her children celebrate their one year birthdays in the house we (re)built for them. It is modest but well decorated and comfortable (and thankfully easy to keep clean).

Tonight I will cheer on the Noles in the memory of my best friend and think back fondly on the few visits I made to that campus up north to visit her deep in enemy territory.

Any other week of the year I would celebrate a Nole defeat as heartily as any Orange and Blue blooded Gator fan could, but tonight I cheer the foes wholeheartedly and remember the good times I had with my Nole best friend.

All my love.