One wedding and a funeral

Last weekend I attended the wedding of a lifelong friend’s son; he married another lifelong friend’s daughter; what a great experience being surrounded by people I have known my whole life; enjoying each other and celebrating a new beginning. We reminisced; talked about our children; and grandchildren and discussed what foods “bothered” us and whatever exercise method we were trying to follow. Majority of the group were married; and have been forever; I, the single one for years; have lead an entirely different lifestyle; not better; not worse, just different. I watched as everyone paired off going to their rooms to get dressed; I was alone; for one minute I felt sad; then as opened the door the realization that being alone was fine; the room was mine to do as I pleased. The wedding was fun; the groom looked handsome; the bride looked happy; parents of the couple looked amazing. The ceremony was very intimate; the vows were nice and not too hard to live by. The Apache Indian verse captured by attention; same one I said so innocently twenty seven years ago in Arizona…….. We all danced together; took pictures in the photo booth of everyone misbehaving. The next day we gathered around for breakfast once again just enjoying the camaraderie of long time friendships. Through these occasions we celebrate our lives and each other; taking for granted we will see one another on the next special day.

This weekend I will attend the wake and funeral of another friend; he was a newer friend; a strong very admired individual who past away all too soon as the result of an accident. I will miss his energy, his friendly wave several times during the week as we passed by one another on the way to and from work. Events I attend will be minus his presence; his laughter. I will think of him often as his office was across from my house, which I rent from his family; when I am with his sisters I will think of their pain and feel empty for them.

So, two weekends; two totally different feelings and experiences; starting and ending. As trite as it may be; life is strange and we just have to hold on to every ounce of it; wrap it around ourselves; love each other and just laugh often and mean it.