Celebrating a decade with WestCMR, I was given the opportunity for a Trip of a Lifetime, and I couldn’t have been prouder. Katie and I had an amazing time revisiting Marquette, where I once went to college. It was a trip down memory lane for me, and sharing it with Katie made it even more special.
Katie and I have been together for eight years, married for five, but she had never been to Marquette. It had been nearly 11 years for me. Going back with her meant a lot. Marquette in the summer is incredibly beautiful, with perfect weather: high 50s at night and low to mid-70s during the day in June. The town has changed a lot since the last time I was there. Downtown is still beautiful, quaint, and clean, but many storefronts have been modernized, and there are some great new restaurants, shops, and bars right on the lake.
One of the highlights was catching up with a handful of good friends who still live locally—all ex-teammates from the NMU football team. These are guys whose weddings I attended, and they were at mine, but I hadn’t seen them in person for five years. Reconnecting with them was incredibly fulfilling. The laughter and stories we shared over meals and drinks brought back a flood of fond memories, reminding me of the unbreakable bonds we formed during our college years.
It was only a five-day trip, but it was very good for the soul. The serene moments by the lake, the exhilarating hikes, and the nostalgic strolls through campus all made for an enriching experience.
Here’s to another decade with WestCMR and more memorable journeys ahead. Cheers!
Thank you Randy Ware and WestCMR for allowing me the opportunity to take this adventure!