Hey Traders,

Happy 4th of July!

This 4th is pretty bittersweet for me because it reminds me so much of the people I have lost over the last 6 months.

For years when I lived in Chicago we had the same routine around the 4th.

Typically the last week of June we would drive to Lauren’s Parents house outside of Detroit to drop off Daley, my dog that I lost in January.

We would spend a day or two with them,  I'd have a drink on the back porch with my Father-In Law Kirk,  we would order Alibi pizza,  and Kirk would have some sort of wacky thing planned for Mark and then later both Mark and Valentino.

Here’s Kirk with his two grand kids from one of those trips,  I am certain Daley is lying on the couch in front of them somewhere too…

Then we would say good bye to my inlaws and my dog and drive to the western side of Michigan to spend the week with my side of the family.

My Dad would rent a house on the lake,  a house big enough for He and My Mom,  their 4 children and spouses, and their 11 grand kids..Plus my Mom’s Sister my Aunt Georgianna.

You probably saw him sitting reading a book while I was live on air many times, as I typically work while I am here (I am currently in Michigan and am currently working).

Here is My Dad and Mom with their 11 grand kids from last year:

After a fun week (which ends on Saturday the 5th this year)...Lauren,  myself and the kids would drive back to Detroit and spend another few days with Kirk,  Anna (my mother-in-law), and my wife's Grandma…and of course to be reunited with Daley.

That Saturday night we would grill burgers and celebrate the 4th.   Before driving back to Chicago typically on Tuesday or Wednesday.

As I am here in Michigan I have a huge hole in my heart for My Dad John,  Kirk, and my Dog.  They were and are such an integral part of my 4th it's kinda hard for me to celebrate this year.

However,  I am going to go have fun,  crack open a beer,  hug my kids and my wife…because none of those three would have wanted me sitting around moping.

So,  if you get a chance this year,  give a little toast to those three…Ill be joining you.  And if you have any of these similar feelings around holidays like this,  know that I am toasting the people you love and have lost from this world.

Happy Fourth of July,  thank you for being what makes Option Pit so great,  and taking the time to read this story about how I am feeling right now.

Your Only Option,

Mark Sebastian