Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Stan Here: I have never been quite sure how the the title of this post got started. I am not sure I understand all that much about weddings, but I want to use it as a springboard to talk a little about the wedding that took place this weekend for our daughter Mieke and her new husband Aaron. Let me start this way. For those of you that have followed these postings you know that the outcome of Deb's medical progress had something to do with the energy and plans that revolve around any event that takes place in our family. In this case many people had come forward and offered to assist us in the things needed to carry out the event of the wedding of our only daughter. I think the tendency of many of us is to refuse the help, we are OK, we can do this etc. In our case Deb and Mieke decided to enlist the assistance of many who had offered and what took place was a fine wedding event that involved friends, family, pastors, musicians, kids, teachers, fathers, sons, in laws, grandparents and  about anything else that you can think of to make for a fine event.

 In this case everything kind of came together and the result was a fine evening that gave strong meaning to us. Allow me to offer a few highlights. I am writing this at 4 in the morning preceding a business trip so the risk is leaving something out. Forgive if this happens. I would be remiss if I did not tell you the the financial burdens of our recent medical situation had impacted our ability to provide the wedding of every girls dreams. It sometimes takes a village and in this case the village came around us and from what I have heard it did turn out to be a night that could be in dreams. I list the highlights and the thank yous in no order and I must leave out names.

 Again blogger profile warns that listing names could impact security. I hope though for the participants you know who you are. We thank those who offered to assist in the set up of the reception area. The decorating and the work our friends provided to make this a very unique set up. Let me say that the workers in that hall had never seen a set up quite like it and and the compliments that were directed to the work and flavor of the event were really fun for us to hear. Also, we were responsible for taking it all down after it was over and many friends, and relatives offered to help us with this. People that stay till midnight on Friday to clean the deal up are good friends. Thank you. We had a friend who worked many hours and provided the cakes for the events. She did an amazing job and worked endless hours to provide a very interesting variety of unique cakes. She did this as a gift to the kids. One of the finer and unique gifts that can be given. It was well done and truly appreciated.

 The teacher who mentored Mieke this past year offered to have the 4th grade class she worked in come and sing at the wedding. He played the piano and the kids sang during the ceremony "He has made me glad". It was very well done and very unique. The parents of those kids came and some of them even brought a gift. Mieke cried as she opened them the next day. It was very touching to see this and I think it is the first time I have seen children perform at a wedding like this. It was cool the way it was done.

 A friend provided a ride from the wedding to the reception for Mieke and Aaron in a vintage car. He dressed in a chauffeur outfit. It was raining and I am not sure this car had been wet before. The people made a line from the church to the car with sparklers. It all helped the day seem kind of fun and unique. The car was a 55 or 57 convertible Chevy (I am not a car expert but it was neat). Thank you.

 Several of the pastors we have encountered in our lives gave strong contributions to some of the ideas for the ceremony. One suggestion was to have 4 people give a short reflection during the ceremony and as it turned out this seemed to me to be a strong part of event. Mieke chose carefully who she wanted to do this and they did it well. This pastors husband also sang at the wedding and we are still receiving comments on how well this was done. She also did a strong series of per-marital counseling for Mieke and Aaron. Many hours spent and much good leadership. Thank you.

We had a former pastor pray at the opening of the reception. He used the song the kids sang at the service as a theme for his prayer and it just seemed to get the whole thing going good.

 I also must thank my children. Alden an Mary acted as MC's and provided many things for the reception. They really helped the event and worked very hard. I think Alden underestimated the amount of beer a bunch like this could drink so he did have to make an emergency trip to the store to supplement the supply. Never underestimate what a bunch of religious people can do. Thank you Alden and Mary. Nice job!!!!

Mieke and Aaron did a dance that was kind of special. They had kept this a secret but somehow I might try to post it next time. It kind of made the place rock a little. Not sure it will go "viral" but you never know. For me it was special.

 Ross and Rumy worked hard on the music and it seemed to me that for their sister they turned it up a little. Rumy kind of sits in the background on this stuff but I watched her during the ceremony and she really has to be on her toes and had to play a lot. Many have commented on the music. It is a rich privilege to have this available within our family. We are very proud of them and all they have done and accomplished.

 At one point during the reception the people gave Deb a standing ovation for her accomplishment of just being there. This was a special moment that I think touched all. I am kind of worried that this whole post might kind of sound wrong. Yes it is true that I am both glad and proud of the event. But I trust that you all get the message that it would not have possible without the help of many. For this I am truly thankful. I am hoping Deb can add some to this and cover a few things that I have left out. She did this update last week and the whole thing got lost somehow. I have to leave now on the trip.

Thank you all for your continued interest. Not sure we had something blue, but we had plenty of things borrowed, somethings old, and somethings new. Talk to you next time. Thanks Stan (no time to edit so forgive mistakes)