Nuptials

I'm now blessed to have three biological children and a wonderful new daughter.  Brian and Nicole's wedding on Saturday was magical. Although the weather was cooler than normal, Friday's clouds had disappeared, and the ceremony took place on a patio overlooking the Missouri River under a beautiful blue sky.  As Nicole and Brian said their vows, two hawks soared through the sky above the river.

At the end of the ceremony Kristin, the minister, asked Brian and Nicole to face each other and hold hands.  She then bestowed this blessing that brought tears to my eyes:

These hands holding yours on your wedding day are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and, with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes - tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one and that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching out for yours still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just touch.

I'm still working my way through the pictures from the weekend, but here's one of Tony and me before the ceremony with the river in the background.  I don't remember feeling a gust of wind, but there must have been , because my skirt is really blowing!