We married off one of my younger sisters, Jordan, a few weekends back. For my close-knit family, this wedding weekend extravaganza was an absolute blast of a roller-coaster ride. It was a weekend full of great joy, and plenty of stress in working to have the big day go off without a hitch. And of course, it did, and they are happily married today.
As maid of honor, and sister of the bride, I felt overwhelmed with all the emotions a wedding will bring. I felt such pride in my sister, in all she has accomplished both professionally and personally in her life, and also a twinge of sadness that we indeed are growing up! Also I felt an immense gratefulness that she has found a patient, kind and good man like Doug.
There were several times throughout the wedding reception, the culminating event of the weekend, where I was so greatly happy. I looked around and saw so many friends of my family’s, including many members of the agriculture community. I had close friends there, and we had extended family in from Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas and more. Then there were all the new in-laws, which I will say are an absolutely tremendous group of people. It was in the juxtaposition of these worlds – these people all coming together in the glow of candlelight to celebrate a momentous occasion in my family’s life – that I felt so incredibly blessed. All those people came to join us in our happiness. What a wonderful thing.
They say you have to take time, in the moment, to appreciate those kinds of weekends because before you know it they are gone. I agree, the weekend did rush by. I will, however, carry with me the image of all those wonderful people gathered together to help celebrate the commitment my sister, Jordan, and new brother, Doug, have made to each other, for as long as I will live.
God Bless,
