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Photo credit: rhymes with orange photography |
I am still basking in the afterglow of the love and joy that
abounded at my son and new daughter-in-law’s wedding two weekends ago. Am I just biased or was it the most
beautiful, heart-felt, wholesome, genuine, marriage ceremony and reception I
have ever witnessed?
Of the more than 100 guests, 30 family and friends travelled
from Ontario to be here. The table decorations were creatively designed by my
son, and skillfully executed by my mom and sister (including hand-painted,
rustic table signs, named after coastal islands). My two other sisters jumped
in to help with floral arrangements in the reception room as well as making the
aisle markers out of antique sheets of music (love songs of course) and filling
them with roses, lavender, and sage. The music was home-grown (we even got the
bride up on the stage for the first time ever to sing a tune). The usual
suspects who perform at our annual fundraiser for Duncan’s scholarship fund
were all there to play fabulous dance music for the night.
I was astounded by the thought and care that went into the
planning. There wasn’t a detail
missed. Probably the biggest challenge
for the celebration was to include Duncan in the festivities but in a subtle
way that wouldn’t overshadow the bride and groom’s special day. His presence in spirit was beautifully
acknowledged with a toast to brotherhood (accompanied by the obligatory shot of
Jack Daniels) and one of the musicians played his guitar. A very close family
friend provided a beautiful sampler of top-notch chocolates for each guest (one
of which was flavoured with JD). The message on each tiny box of chocolates was
“All you need is love”. http://beta5.myshopify.com
I learned so much about my son in the week preceding the
wedding. Who he really is as a soul
totally shone (pun intended) in so many wonderful ways.
The care with which he made sure every detail was thought out ahead of
time was very touching. I was privileged to be right in front of him to catch
the look on his face when he first saw his lovely bride making her way down the
aisle. The depth of love he has for her
is obvious (and she for him). And he
chose a song that I had recorded years ago for our mother-son dance. I was incredibly touched by that. I love
that kid so much.
It was a beautiful and inspiring day and one that will
remain fresh in my mind for a long time to come.
Arriving home has been quite an about-face. My roommate has moved out – I now have the
place to myself – and the level of interaction with others has gone from 10 to
0. I’m used to running at about an 8, so
this is a new world for me. As well,
with no “work” to go to, other than my kitchen desk, I am removed somewhat from
the madding crowd, and to top it all off, my son and his wife are moving to
Calgary this weekend.
So I find myself with a business I can run from anywhere in
the world, no close family to keep me here, and all the cottages where I live
are up for sale. Everything is up for
grabs right now! The world is truly my oyster and it is quite exciting to think
of the possibilities!
For now, however, I shall stay put and get used to the
quiet. Any decisions I make at this
point must be made from love, not fear.
I have to resist the urge to “do” something just for the sake of doing
something. And, as if the universe knew I needed some advice, I received a card
that was drawn for me…
Patience is quiet hope
and faith that things will turn out right. We trust the process of life. We are
not hasty. We do not rush or allow ourselves to be overcome by pressure.
Patience helps us to endure things we cannot control with a peaceful heart. We
respond to mistakes or delays, not with judgment but gentleness. We recognize
the lessons that come through waiting, and receive them as gifts unfolding with
Divine timing. Patience brings acceptance. It calls us to be still in the
moment, to be restful and to listen deeply. Patience soothes our souls. (Thank you ML!)
I shall be patient. I
know that all you need is love (and chocolate).
Authentically yours,
Buns
…and…
I can’t think of a better place to have a West Coast wedding
than the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa and Resort in Parksville on Vancouver Island.
The setting was absolutely perfect. http://www.tigh-na-mara.com