The Next Generation

  It's their time and they are running with it.  Josh and Jackie were married on Saturday January 19 and we had a blast attending the extravaganza.  Family weddings are a great shared experience; a rare time to mark time and affirm the blessings that life can provide.  We only have to remember back to July 2010 to recall the bond and fun at Bobby and Meredyth's wedding, who by the way continue to create a nice template of the How To.

   The Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz.  The cold and rain of the past several weeks had opened up to warm glorious sun by Thursday.  While any weather is just fine by me for a wedding, this recent change could not have been more welcome for a weekend at the Boardwalk.

   There are some people I never worry about and here the shared union of these two seems not only logical but completely correct. Theirs is a nice complimentary balance and it is a pleasure witnessing young Joshua now as a confidant happy man.

    Hey! Presenting the return of Johnny,  Air Force duties complete  back in our gang again! Hooray! Watching the brothers equally puzzled by the toast of the other Best Man of the wedding party was to view them as brothers, again.  Sister Mickey, about to start her tour at Disneyland (dream come true) with Cousin Stacey continue their inspired  lunacy.  Congrats to the parents of the newly married for contributing to the composition of these good citizens. Tim and Patty can certainly be proud to be a part of this success,no matter what.

    Jay, Miah, Jeremiah- and he's just one cousin! holding down the corner of the wedding party table and continually fulfilling his role as the Patrick Willis of the family shared a story of how he once accidentally knocked his brother Tom out, with a twist to the tale as what you might get from twisting oranges.  Tom's welcoming nature and ready laugh, and with the dynamic Stacey gather together with Uncle Pappy Chris- Dad to them for some cool pics.  Chris has achieved a status of Most Regal Harp player, styling in a nice jacket.

     The mad, mad Photobomber2013- formerly known as Cailin appears, then disappears, then reappears...you get the idea. It's good to have crazy hobbies.  Her folks, appointed guardians of Ann and John (coincidentally Maria's parents too- what are the chances?!) shined brightly in loving caretaker ways, delighted for the newly married.

    Marley, with her big expressive face welcoming all dances filled the room with laughter of playing with Oliver, Dexter and Clark.  Meghan, relieved that her time of gratis hair setting of all bridesmaids could now be spent enjoying the company of her stellar partner, Tony and catching up with her cousins.  I love seeing them sport around in their Lotus Hair Salon vehicle; the Batmobile of our family! 

    Maria was thrilled to host Ann and John in our hotel room across the street from the Grove and beach, just prior to the wedding.  And the gallant two were all that as they trekked over, down some perilous steps to get to the promised land.  The promise was fulfilled and delivered.

    All family connections, past and newly present carried the spirit foward.  Jackie's parents ever gracious in the evenings provisions and warmth. 

    We may have held up the ceremony just a bit as I tried with Dexter to find the elevator for John and Ann. A well meaning youthful arcade employee set us on a wrong pathway but he ran over to let us know- apologizing only because he cared.  Finally getting upstairs we were greeted by a well-suited man who seemed completely at home in his shiny tux (no matter how he felt about being in it).  Was that Joshua's father/Maria's brother Tim?  Why yes!  Dapper dude!  The photo of Joshua and Tim  as they saw us approaching on the Boardwalk is one my favorite photos.  Two men together with prideful (possibly nervous) smiles reflecting how we all were feeling on this night.  A father and son team that in its existence had the son referring to his father as "Tim" years before the Simpsons.  Joshua. Johnny. Mickey.  You done good Tim.

 

   One week later, typing these words to Sinatra song while gazing at blue skies behind white curtains, I am in perfect relaxation mode.  There is a loyal cup of coffee by my side and Oliver in I-Pad meditation (medication?)  across the way.  I'm thinking about these nieces and nephews whom I've had the pleasure of knowing for many years from helping make my wedding to Maria one of my best days to present time and I am proud of all of them. The wedding of Jackie and Josh is not only a marking in time but a reminder of where we've been, where we are and that we stand together.