There we were on the beach, the wedding minutes away. My daughter’s father-in-law motioned towards the lake, “Look, at the blend of colors of the water, shallow, then deep, then shallow again.” Days later I thought of the gratitude, shallow, then deep. Both so very good.
Shallow
Good, and plentiful, but less important than the deep. After raging storms before and after Saturday, and a wedding planned during the see-sawing weather of late September, we were granted a spectacular setting. Partly sunny, 70 degrees, and a light wind. Just enough breeze to stir the waves. Not enough to drown out the sweet magic of the violinist. Weather that cooperated. Allowing far flung guests to arrive and depart in safety.
The shallow gratitude extended to the good fortunes of most every single detail flowing smoothly. All the plans came together. Rare for any wedding. A perfect location. An amazing reception venue.
Deep
The deep gratitude came during the day, and upon reflection later. My oldest daughter and new son-in-law profoundly in love. The wedding the culmination of a long, building relationship. Years of happiness to come.
My other daughter, back from California with her husband and baby girl. The love evident.
My sons and their families celebrating with us. Also happily married.
My wife and I, now married for 38 years. Love prevails… with commitment and good fortune.
Gazing at the assembled… two families and their friends, coming together. A diverse group of revelers, enjoying the evening. Journeying far to join us at the shores of Lake Michigan.
Even more exceptional for my wife and I… all the people who made this happen, are friends. The violinist hugging my wife before the ceremony. A good friend from our favorite brewhouse, orchestrating the reception at her country estate. The photographer, cruising around at the reception, with our eight week old granddaughter nestled in. The servers hustling from table to table… also our friends. Those will always be treasured memories. How unique to celebrate a wedding with everyone involved being special to us.