Our son Karl was married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1998; married to a very lovely Lady from Plant City, Sherri Hill. The Wedding was Beautiful, Superb, Fantastic; a memory that will remain in my Heart forever.
The church was beautifully decorated: when you walked into the church you simply gasped at the beauty of the altar. Candles Shaped in a heart to surround the Bride and Groom, more candles and trees beautifully placed added to the beauty of the Lighted Cross. I heard several people whisper “Oh My God” as they entered from the corridors. Yes, the church was exceptionally decorated. The special beauty of these decorations is knowing that they were done by Sherri’s cousin, as a wedding gift for Sherri & Karl. A true gift of Love that was most definitely reflected in his artistic decorations.
The Ceremony was exquisite: as witnesses to this special day everyone walked away with the understanding that these two young people were truly in love with each other and committed to a life together. You could see this in their eyes, you could see it in the looks they exchanged.
Love was also found in the grand support of family and friends. Family that we knew would be present and family that surprised us with their attendance. And personal friends that came from all over the United States, including a special friend in Father Tom who gave a very special blessing to Karl and Sherri. The Sunday after the wedding, Father Tom celebrated Mass at our home for all our family and friends who came to help Rita and I celebrate the wedding. Yet the greatest gift of the wedding was the special lesson I learned that night and will forever remember: the absolute love and support of my children for each other. I knew my children were close, but I truly had no idea of their special closeness and bonding.
Our oldest son, Keith, our medical student soon to be a doctor, said he would be at the wedding come volcano or hurricane! Keith was his typical self, very giving. It was evident that he was there to make sure that his Brother’s wedding was perfect. As usual, Keith gave 110% to his duty as Best Man and surely accomplished this goal. Of course Kristie was there, and, in her own quiet way, helped both Karl and Sherri survive this hectic day. To see our lovely Kristie in her beautiful gown at the wedding, reminded me of what I learned in a recent letter from Kristie; that my little girl is indeed a mature, loving young women.
But Karl was a true hero this day and not just because he was the groom. Karl showed everyone at the wedding that he was deeply in love with his bride and was bringing to the relationship the love of our family, the love that had helped him become the man he is today. Karl so beautifully captured this in his wedding poem; a poem he had written for this special day.
Yes, Karl is a poet. I say this with assurance, after hearing his wedding poem. I remember that Karl wrote a book of poetry for his college thesis. I also remember that his teacher and dean were so impressed that they sent Karl to a Seminar to improve the talent that was evident in his writings. They also arranged for the University to pay for this seminar. They obviously saw a talent they wanted to nourish.
Because of Karl’s poetic background, Keith rhymed his toast. As difficult as that was for Keith to create, Keith did this especially for Karl. After the toast, Karl surprised everyone by taking the microphone and announcing that he had written a poem for this very special day. Karl’s wedding poem was as beautifully written as the church was beautifully decorated. Karl read his special poem and truly touched everyone’s heart.
The rest of the wedding is somewhat an emotional blur: we danced, laughed and cried some more. Special moments of dancing with Sherri, Karl’s dancing with Rita, a dance with Kristie; all are so very special moments. Moments that do not happen all that often. Indeed memories to cherish. Being able to walk across the room and be united with old friends was truly a special treat; a treat I would partake of often that night. What a party, what a simply grand night!
Reflecting on the wedding, something Rita and I have done a lot of recently, I realize one important fact. The love Rita and I shared on our wedding day, the love that grew and helped us through our twenty-seven years, became a gift to our children. Our love was like a seed that took root in our children’s hearts, a transference of our love. I realize that I am truly a lucky man. I am blessed with the love of my wife, Rita; this love has grown and created an impressive family. A family that has just increased by one daughter. This special love was witnessed at Karl and Sherri’s wedding; witnessed by our very good friends. I may not have life’s material wealth but I am a very rich man!
Dennis entered the Pat's Design Studio 2011 Valentine's Day Contest, and Won this Bracelet for his lovely bride.
Pat Wilking | DesignerPat's Design Studio
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
patwilking@yahoo.com
http://pats-design-studio.blogspot.com/
