Dancing the Night Away

I was waiting for the kids to get the "professional" wedding pictures back. They hired an apparently reputable and personable fellow who arrived at 2 in the afternoon, stayed until after midnight and took hundreds of photos. That was a month ago and we haven't heard from him since. He was paid a significant amount of money beforehand and we're beginning to get a bit nervous.

Thankfully many of our friends and family took candid pix of the wedding and I'm sharing a few of those until I track down our erstwhile photog and eat his hair off. Then, if possible, I'll post some "fancy" fotos.

Aaron and Van's wedding was held at Jack and Carole's home in Manitou Springs, CO. Folks started coming about 3 in the afternoon and either helped out or hung out. The bar opened about 4 and guests were able to neutralize their mojitos, home-brewed beer/ale et al with Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Indian and continental appetizers, entrees, desserts and a decadent and delicious wedding cake.

The ceremony took place at sunset on a large deck overlooking Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. It was a windless, balmy and thankfully pretty typical CO summer's eve. I stood, soaking it all in, quite amazed and incredibly thankfully for all my blessings. I wondered if I'd live to see Sarah married. (But couldn't imagine how it could be any more wonderful than this moment!)

Everything was just about perfect. And if it wasn't, nobody told me about it. I had a wonderful time and lasted until the cake was cut, the speeches were made, the dances were danced and my corns started killing me. As I've found myself frequently saying recently, it was the best day of my life. I'm one very blessed old granny.

If it's not too boring, I'll share some more photos soon. Even if Professional PhotoMan never turns up. Love to you all.

Joy and Sorrow

My dear blogger friends---whom I follow and think of so very, very often:

I've suffered from grievous guilt at not posting for nearly three months. This truly has been a time that illustrates my conviction that a well-lived life is a balance of joy and sorrow---and perhaps there's a message for my peers. Our lives are never ever-so-wonderful or decidedly devastating as we fear or hope them to be. Reality, for those of us who struggle until we die is to love life, which is a strange and wonderful amalgam.

During the past three months we've had 2 unexpected (and traumatic) deaths in our immediate family, Both required a commitment of emotional, physical and financial resources. Our family accepts that sorrow as appropriate and good---though at times beyond comprehension.

Also good, viewed in 20-20 hindsight is the celebration of a new family beginning; a more painfully honest, more inclusive, more accepting way of moving forward. Our loved ones have left us and would most certainly want us to embrace new promise. I find this most uncomfortable...but necessary. Should I thank G-D I can still look forward...for the sake of my children and theirs...though I feel comfy only looking backwards.

But here is the joy, the hope and the reconciliation and new life that came together 2 weeks ago at my grandson's wedding. At our house, my son officiating, with our mishpocha, and with my all hopes and blessings for joy. All the best joy and love to you all.