Love Stories - Joan

          4 weddings and 12,000 miles in 6 weeks, might not qualify for the Guinness Book of Records, but it certainly was a Personal Best. Joy, Joy and more Joy was definitely the overarching theme and love was in the air; whether it was the open air, literally of an organic farm, or the rarefied air of stunning historic landmarks. Traipsing across the country, I had lots of time to think about these couples, their families and the promise of new beginnings. There were friends, rabbis, ministers and relatives who performed the myriad of ceremonies, each in their own way speaking words that were meaningful and personalized for each couple recounting a past vignette and the moments that had brought them to the altar.

         Admittedly, no one had a crystal ball peering into the future, but the future was present, looking over the heads of the attendees, hearing the promise of love and of hope, but knowing that the road ahead would likely be filled with twists and turns that would test, and hopefully strengthen, their unions.

          Writing about love this month, when we typically think about ghosts and goblins, saints and sinners, I wondered about the connection. Perhaps it is because of my own recent wedding anniversary and the fact that I have spent this month living across from the church where we were married all those years ago; or perhaps it was the challenge issued by the wedding officiants that as witnesses we are called upon to offer support, wisdom and assistance in the future. It made me think about the goodies in marriage that need to be savored, like honesty, generosity of spirit and forgiveness. These, one can never have too much of (like peanut M&Ms), while things that may sneak in like jealousy, impatience or rigidity are like the "tricks" given by the clueless neighbors and tossed as soon as we get home. But it's in the sharing of life's experiences where marriage finds its lasting sweetness.

          I cherished the look of  awe as each couple was pronounced husband and wife. It's the same kind of look the recognition of a miracle brings with it. The "How did I get so lucky, how did this happen to me?" As I took in the love enveloping these young couples, I prayed that they would have the courage to face the fear of the unknown being stronger together. (Joan)