The Wedding

On October 26, 2008-I Officiated over my first wedding.

And it was very special. You see, my friend Connie has been my best friend since she was 11 years old. She is Godmother to my oldest daughter, Katie. She has been a part of every single important event in my life. And she has loved me unconditionally. That is a gift beyond measure.

And I love my Connie, she and her family have been a dear part of my family. Complete with her Mom grounding me as a teenager for fighting with Connie's Sister, Pam. *lol*

Back to the wedding. Connie's oldest daughter, Brittney was marrying her long time boyfriend, Trace. They have a daughter named Lin May, who is the smartest 3 year old EVER. (And I say this as a Grandmother of 5!)

I flew into O'Hare on the 16th. *Whew* 18 years in Florida did change me, I felt it was COLD!!!!! I introduced Connie & Gerry (I dated his best friend on-and-off in High School). I set them up on a blind date, and they have been inseparable ever since. 27 years of marriage.

We fell into the most comfortable patterns. Ger & I teasing each other like we have done since we were teens, Connie & I cooking together. Her Children are really my children too, though they are young adults/adults. We had so much fun!!!!

I missed being in a warm kitchen cooking hearty German meals! And we visited her Mom, and her Sister.....it was wonderful. My only regret, that Rick was not there. Maybe in Spirit he was, but he would have loved it.

Anyway-I had the Wedding Certificate, my letter from the Church with my recommendations, and the kids had their license. I was trusted to completely write the vows. The kids had one request, to please include their daughter in the ceremony.

I was even more honored because Connie's family is German Lutheran. And Trace's Mom is a Catholic. His Dad is a Buddhist.

I waited, then two nights before the wedding, I wrote the vows. I have no copy of them. Everything came from the heart, and I took my responsibility as the Minister very seriously.

The night before the Wedding we stayed at Starve Rock National Park, in wooden cabins. We also drank a bit of wine, since the day before I had to intercede between Mom & Daughter (I slapped the Bride in the foot, and told Connie to stop being Momzilla!).

O.K.-back to the wedding. It was so beautiful!!! OMG, when Gerry walked Brittney to the altar, lifted her veil & kissed her, I didn't know if I could find my voice. I almost didn't. So, I started out a bit squeaky, but found my rhythm. It was my voice, but Heavens? The Goddesses? Words.

I even tied the red ribbon loosely around their wrists, to remind them they chose each other, of their own free will. And I gave them the ribbon to remind them, in life's storms, to look at that ribbon and "remember the promises made on (this) day."

When the groom kissed the bride, there was applause. Then I looked up and saw the tears.

The vows that I had written, (or someone wrote through me), brought everyone, including the bride's Father, to tears.

After that we celebrated. It was a joy to see old friends, some I hadn't seen for 20 years. I gave the blessing before the meal.

I had three more days with Connie & Crew after that, then I had to fly home. I never kept the vows, I gave them to the couple. They have the only copy. because those vows belong to them, and only them.

Little Lin May calls me "Her Cathy", and "Her Grandma C".

I am glad to be home, I missed my home & my pets.

Illinois is not my home anymore. But seeing old friends, and the wonderful memories. I saw fall colors. I saw wild deer.

I feel I was truly blessed to be a part of this. So, I share it with all of you.

God(dess) Bless....

And congratulations to Trace & Brittney Chan, and their daughter, Lin May.

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