For the past several weeks, I've been floating down the river in a raft with my family, keenly aware that a series of rapids, ending at a waterfall lay before me. At some points, the current was fast, and there were a few eddies and river rocks in the way to distract my attention from the impending fall, but in the last few hours before the wedding, we were floating on almost calm water, being drawn slowly towards the edge.
And then, all of a sudden, it was 1:00 PM on June 21, and the ride began. Whoosh, to the park for pictures. Rush, to the church for more. Quick greetings to arriving guests, as we all tried to catch our breath.
Then, a moment of calm, as the ceremony occurred. Beauty and peace, commitment and song; these gave us the energy for the rest of the day and night. A small still pool before the pull of time led us to the next set of rapids.
It was quite a ride. I don't think things could have gone more according to plan. The weather was wonderful. The wedding party was happy, and didn't seem rushed. The music and slide show went well, and were appreciated. The toasts were excellent. The food was good, and not too filling, so we could enjoy an evening of dancing and people-watching and conversation.
By the time the evening was over, we were all tired, but happy -- and amazed that the time had flown by so quickly.
The next morning, we sat in our raft, having survived the thrilling ride over the falls; wet, tired and happy to have been thoroughly drenched in the experience.
And now, next to us on the river, a new raft is floating. Adam & Marisa will take a side trip or two, in channels all their own, but they'll join up with us frequently as they continue down the river of time we share.
Congratulations, you two. Enjoy the ride.
[Originally posted June 23, 2008 in Snippets and Wisps. Happy Anniversary, Adam and Marisa.]
