I’ve gotten yet more stories out into the wild that really needed submission, including a few that didn’t get a fair shake in my subs process the first time around. I also had a little jolt of inspiration strike me at a rather wonderful wedding and reception last night.

I had the privilege of attending the wedding of my cousin, Kevin Gillespie, and my new cousin-in-law, Valerie Combs. They are absolutely perfect together and I think they have many happy years ahead of them.

There was a moment last night, when I was sitting in Kevin’s restaurant at the reception, with my lovely wife and baby girl, that something occurred to me: Kevin has done it. He came from very humble circumstances growing up, but persevered and worked hard until he hammered his dream into life. Those pots and pans at his restaurant mean so much more than just a job — that’s his dream, flour-dusted and sometimes covered with caramelization, but no less his dream, and he made it real.

Growing up, Kevin was like a little brother, and I still count him as someone very dear to me, though I seldom get to see him anymore. There are times I’d give almost anything to have another lazy summer day running around in the woods playing war with the other neighborhood kids, or our marathon “search and destroy” tag games that took place at ten o’clock or later at night. Life was simpler when my family wasn’t scattered to the four winds. Though the nucleus is still down in Locust Grove, I get a little melancholy when most of us are actually together, like last night. It will simply never be the same again.

But I take comfort in seeing the dreams being fulfilled. Now, with Valerie and Kevin together, the two of them can explore that dreamscape and add their own pieces to it that only come out of being husband and wife. The fact that a rainy wedding was something they just rolled with and didn’t let distract them from what was truly important stands as a testament to what is going to hold them together through thick and thin. Love you guys.

I don’t think I’ve ever told him this, but let me say it here: Kevin gives me inspiration. He can do it, and I can as well. My dreams are made of less edible things and are written rather than crafted with the sweat and love that a kitchen in the hands of a true chef produces. But I too wish to fill my customers with a meal they wouldn’t forget. Last night, enjoying a reception in a restaurant with the unique signature of someone who wouldn’t give up until the dream was realized, I was reminded to keep my own efforts well in high-gear. Tasty.

Stay tuned.