I can always tell when my husband is on the phone with his friend and colleague Bill. The snickering, chuckling and hysterical laughter always give them away. No one in Mark’s life makes him crack up more than Bill and he revels in their incessant off-colour email and texting banter pretty much on a daily basis.

Being in the same industry, they often travel together and I can’t even tell you the number of “Bill and Mark” stories that I’ve had to endure over the years. In other words – they are a really bad influence on each other and really good buddies at the same time.

Although he can be a bit of a goofball (in the most charming and loveable kind of way), Bill had the good sense to marry the lovely Susie in 2008. In addition to being beautiful, Susie is also a fast friend – the girlfriend who always has an extra copy of People magazine to share, is the first to initiate a good conversation over a glass of wine and is ever willing to share her style secrets since she is always effortlessly dressed in the most current fashion trends.

A couple of years ago, Bill and Susie welcomed their son Liam at 32 weeks. He was a tiny little guy but a real fighter and after a lot of care and love he’s a thriving toddler today with a cute smile and a sweet personality.

Just last week Susie gave birth to their second baby boy and Liam’s little brother Benjamin Finley at only 24 weeks gestational age. He weighed just 1 pound and 1 ounce and was 11 inches long. He is currently being cared for in the NICU at the Cleveland Clinic and is a little fighter just like his big brother but he has a long road ahead of him. As you can imagine its a very difficult time for this beautiful family so if you have a spare moment over coming days- perhaps you would send along some positive vibes, loving energy or a prayer for wee little Ben, his mom and dad and Liam. Maybe we can start a wave of love coming from Burlington and beyond…every little bit helps.

Someday I’m sure I’ll be telling Liam and little Ben about some of the crazy things his dad and Mark have done together. Or maybe they will have their own adventures with our two boys and another generation of tom-foolery, hysterical laughter and friendship will begin.

Our thoughts are with you Bill, Susie, Liam and Ben and we are sending tons of love your way. Keep fighting baby Ben!