It has been a whirlwind of excitement and joy during the past several days as we celebrated my younger son’s wedding. The day before the wedding, my daughter in law’s mother hosted an intimate shower and tea. I was grateful to meet many of the ladies in the family, including the grandmother who I heard so much about as she was making the wedding cake. My son raved about all the delicious flavors she made for them to taste. Later that afternoon was the rehearsal. My friend who is a priest came to preside over the celebration. He has been such a support for our family for many years, but most recently as we struggled through my parents’ death. We were thankful he was able to be present for a happy occasion. My daughter in law’s parents gave my son a small silver chain that had a couple photos of my parents’ wedding. It was so thoughtful. I was teary eyed for the majority of the evening. After practicing the ceremony, we went to dinner. We had a semi-outdoor space, and it poured for a while. But that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits. I was happy to visit with my son’s college friends who I hadn’t seen in 10 years, as well as his newer friends and my daughter in law’s friends who I met recently. It was also my brother’s birthday, so we made sure he was acknowledged. The next day I was up bright and early to bring breakfast to the wedding party as they got ready. They guys were in the downstairs area, while the girls were upstairs. The energy between the 2 was palpable. The girls were excited and chatty as they got their hair and make-up done. My daughter in law and her sister were going through the list and making sure that everything was taken care of. After playing ball in the hall, the guys were lounging, watching sports, and napping as they waited for their hair guy. Once he arrived, everything changed. My son and his groomsmen got up, got their hair done, and were dressed in a flash. Later, my siblings, nephew and his wife and I met everyone at the church. We each wore something that belonged to my parents to keep them close – jewelry, cufflinks, ties, etc. My son had put the photo chain in his pocket and was wearing cufflinks that belonged to my dad. I had given my daughter in law a necklace of my mother’s that had a treble clef on it that she tucked inside her flowers along with a handkerchief from her family. The tears came early and often. At one point, my son lit 2 candles and said a prayer for my parents. They guys looked amazing, and I even got a sneak peek at my daughter in law in her dress. Before the ceremony, my son and his bride did a prayer together around the corner of a wall, so they wouldn’t see each other. Everything they did was planned with meaning and intention. My older son was the best man and his wife was a bridesmaid. My granddaughter was the flower girl with the help of her brother who handed out flowers as they walked down the aisle. When my son saw his bride walking towards the altar with her father, his face was that of pure joy and love. After her father handed his daughter to my son, the couple stood and faced each other during the celebration. It was cute to see them chatting and I wondered what they were talking about. My older grandson proclaimed the Old Testament reading from the Song of Songs and did a great job. Then came the moment of the vows and exchange of rings. More tears. They were now husband and wife. “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.” Mark 10:9. The reception venue was a beautifully renovated barn on a ranch complete with “beer burros”. My daughter in law’s father welcomed everyone and opened in prayer. My son and the maid of honor made it through their sentimental speeches. I was nervous for our mother/son dance, but I managed to do pretty well. We chose “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. I used to sing it to my son in the car when he was young. During our dance, my voice wouldn’t cooperate, but I tried. My son knew what I meant. Then it was time to party, dance, and just have fun. As the night went on, I noticed and was grateful for the friendships and support that my son and his new wife have in their lives. The whole event was more wonderful than I imagined as I witnessed my son marry his love. And to have my whole family present for such a joyful occasion, especially after some difficult years, was such an incredible blessing.

I Found God today contemplating the blessing of my son’s wedding.