The kids are happy here and we all love to explore our new city. Chicago is so beautiful and there is just so much to do. While it was harder to move when kids are older, it has its perks, too. Our girls are able to understand more. They know and see how hard their dad works. Of course to them he is the best goalie in the world, but what makes me even more proud is that they also get to see how much fans love Marc for who he is as a person.
We have been together for almost 20 years now and, although I must admit that no, he doesn't ALWAYS smile, I can attest that he is the kindest person I have ever met. He's had many heartbreaking moments in his career that he has handled with such strength and class. He does so much in the community, most of which never gets mentioned because he doesn't want the recognition. Little acts of kindness, like taking kids who are battling cancer to games, or buying pizza for a homeless shelter in Edmonton while in the bubble two summers ago, or paying six months of rent for a struggling family, or building a playground for underprivileged kids. That is the kind of person my husband is and what I am the most proud of.
And at home, as cheesy as it may sound, he is the most amazing "Papa". If you wonder what the next hockey wish might be for someone who has accomplished so much, I believe for him it's as simple as being able to play long enough for our 2-year-old son James to remember seeing his dad play in the NHL.
Through it all, my family and I thank you, all of Marc's fans near and far, for your love and support over the years. It means the world to us.
Thank you for celebrating his success today, and every day.