The long Memorial Day weekend is one that brings many anniversaries. So many family and close friends have married on the Saturday before Memorial Day. It makes sense for family and friends to travel with the extra weekend day on Monday.
Tomorrow, my little brother, Matthew, and his beautiful bride, Jennifer, will mark their 30th wedding anniversary.
It seems like yesterday they were just kids. They were so young and so in love. Love still looks good on them.
Jennifer's Dad had passed away suddenly, exactly three months before their wedding day. Her little brother, Jeff, stepped in to walk her down the aisle. I will never forget how Jeff seemed taller and older than his years that day, as he gave his big sister away.
It was the last big family event before my sister, April, left for the service. We did not know it would be her last family gathering on earth. And, the youngest wedding attendee, Cullen Lithgow, guest was just a few days old and his Uncle Danny, a groomsman, was so proud to show him off. And... it was Memorial Day weekend with all of the emotion it brings.
One of my favorite verses was my "verse of the day"... one sweet Donna Roth and I quoted often to each other... captures it all is in a few words:
"Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep." -Romans 12:15
If we do those two things, we get it right. Everything else falls into place.
Don't miss the celebrations. Don't miss the tears. Share it all. Love big. Feel big. Yes, it means you open yourself up to big griefs, too, but love is 100% worth it!
Matthew and Jennifer... so grateful for your love, your marriage, the family you made together, and that you are family. So grateful the Lindgren/Bess clans are tightly woven into the Hanson clan.
Today, I am grateful for celebrations.
No comments:
Post a Comment