What appears to matter most these days is the wedding! After a long engagement due to her CRNA graduate program, Claire and Derek will be married in just one week. They have been "showered," fitted and groomed, have tasted appetizers, entries and cupcakes. They have auditioned bands and listened to strings. They have been dance coached and ceremony counseled. She has pondered hairstyles, make up and nail polish, earrings, hair ornaments, jewelry and shoes. He has anguished over ties. They spent cold winter Sundays with a "gun" at Bed Bath and Beyond and Crate and Barrel.
But as I reflect on these activities of the past eighteen months I am reminded that none of this is what really matters. It is about the marriage, not the wedding. And what pleases me most is that I know Claire and Derek know it too. I have seen it in the ways their love has grown in the five years they have been together. They have supported each other through a grueling school program, job loss and some significant health issues. We have admired their patience with each other and their communication skills. They are loving and generous with family, faithful to friends, and kind to everyone. They rescued Fancy Pants and are devoted to giving this sweet dog a happy life. They have plans and dreams for their life together. And the will to make them come true.
Their parents have combined, over 75 years experience in marriage and have survived things they are yet to face - and some of these things we hope they never have to face. But I am encouraged by what I see in them now and confident that they are ready for whatever life will bring. I am certain that they know the ceremony on September 12 and the promises they will make to each other that day are what really matter.
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