[Life] Technicolor Weekend
As I sat in my house last night watching TV, reflecting back on the past three days, I felt like life had returned to a two-dimensional existence; that the previous 72 hours had been the moment where dorothy had landed in Oz and all the colors made everything seem more real (or, perhaps, surreal).
Despite the heat -- both outdoors at the ceremony and indoors at the reception -- was quite fantastic. I'll be the first to admit I'm not a great fan of weddings, even having had one of my own. However, seeing my best friend of 22 years marry the woman who, I can quite honestly say, is the best person for him really made this grinch's heart grow at least ten times. I actually gave two toasts -- one at the rehearsal dinner, one at the wedding -- that didn't include any embarrasing memories for either the groom or bride. I felt compelled to tell the assembled guests how I thought that since H_ had entered M_'s life, the best times for him had begun. I brought tears to people's eyes. That's how I roll.
It was also great to be around my good friends of over two decades as we stood baking inside our tuxedos in the Tyler Rose Garden. We spent many hours together reminiscing of old times, catching up on each others' lives, and making new memories. Yeesh, I'm getting mushy. Truly, though, it was an excellent weekend and I'm grateful I could be a part of it.
Other news rolled in via email this weekend after I returned: my youngest brother arrived safely in El Salvador to start his two-plus year stinit in the Peace Corp, and my father's wife's mother passed away. The funeral is early this week in New York -- tomorrow, I think -- and my dad and his wife will also use the time to visit friends and family in the area.
Life changes... marriage, death, the beginning of a new adventure... joys and sorrows. All reminders that we are alive, and it is a good thing to be.
--
And if you're curious... yes, I got the garter. As the only single guy at the wedding, they just handed it to me.
Despite the heat -- both outdoors at the ceremony and indoors at the reception -- was quite fantastic. I'll be the first to admit I'm not a great fan of weddings, even having had one of my own. However, seeing my best friend of 22 years marry the woman who, I can quite honestly say, is the best person for him really made this grinch's heart grow at least ten times. I actually gave two toasts -- one at the rehearsal dinner, one at the wedding -- that didn't include any embarrasing memories for either the groom or bride. I felt compelled to tell the assembled guests how I thought that since H_ had entered M_'s life, the best times for him had begun. I brought tears to people's eyes. That's how I roll.
It was also great to be around my good friends of over two decades as we stood baking inside our tuxedos in the Tyler Rose Garden. We spent many hours together reminiscing of old times, catching up on each others' lives, and making new memories. Yeesh, I'm getting mushy. Truly, though, it was an excellent weekend and I'm grateful I could be a part of it.
Other news rolled in via email this weekend after I returned: my youngest brother arrived safely in El Salvador to start his two-plus year stinit in the Peace Corp, and my father's wife's mother passed away. The funeral is early this week in New York -- tomorrow, I think -- and my dad and his wife will also use the time to visit friends and family in the area.
Life changes... marriage, death, the beginning of a new adventure... joys and sorrows. All reminders that we are alive, and it is a good thing to be.
--
And if you're curious... yes, I got the garter. As the only single guy at the wedding, they just handed it to me.