Wednesday, November 9, 2011

An Anniversary Message

On this day nine years ago, our only son stood with the woman he loved, at the altar of an historic church in Lexington, Virginia, and vowed to love and honor her for life.  It was a perfect fall day, and we rejoiced at their union.  From the time we met Sande, we considered her the perfect mate for Sean; it took him a few years to figure it out.

He met her in a drama class at Florida State University and they became friends first, always the best way to discover a relationship, I think.  It wasn't until they were both graduates pursuing their careers, she in California and he in Chicago, that the spark ignited.

Since their marriage, their lives have taken several sharp turns and detours, some brought on by circumstances they couldn't avoid, and others by choices they made for the better.  They've managed to weather all of them. 

Adding to our delight, they completed their family nearly five years ago with the arrival of Fletcher.  That tiny dynamo gives another dimension to their lives, weaving entertainment, exasperation, exhaustion, but ultimately fulfillment into their world.  Observing them as they learn all the pitfalls and triumphs of parenthood brings back memories of Sean's childhood but also shows me how much more today's world demands when it comes to raising children.  I applaud their efforts.

In their hundred+-year-old bungalow, they've created a happy menagerie that includes cats and dogs, where even on the most chaotic of days, it is clear a loving family resides.  And it just seemed right, on their special day today, to tell them that I never cease to admire how they make it all work.

Sande and Sean, you are unique to yourselves, unique to our family, and we're all richer because you chose each other.  Happy Anniversary!        

No comments:

Post a Comment