Love and Marriage

This weekend, we had the honor of attending a very special wedding.

My husband's uncle John (also his godfather) married a dear woman after a whirlwind courtship.

We visited with family and friends all day on Saturday after a beautiful ceremony at St. Patrick's church in Tolono, Illinois. It was a celebration of life and love that was really, truly heartwarming.

Why? John and his bride are both over seventy years old.



Each has been married before, with children and grandchildren aplenty. And each had endured the death of their spouse due to prolonged illness. Despite that tragedy, they did not let sorrow wear them down. Each led an independent, full life pursuing diverse interests, continuing to learn, volunteering time, cultivating friendships, and caring for family.

Then -- after years of living alone -- they managed to meet each other.

And the rest is history.

They joked during the ceremony, in a final blessing before the assembly, that they hoped to live together until "a ripe old age" and to love one another always as much as they did at that very moment.

At the reception, we danced and laughed and told stories. The happy couple celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage more fully than I have ever seen a bride and groom celebrate. I think it is because they understand what their commitment means. And they are making a choice to live every moment and pack life with as many new experiences as possible.

I came away from the day not just happy, but hopeful.

And I have two extraordinary people to thank for it.

So, John and JoAnn, I wish you every blessing and a long and happy life together -- "until a ripe old age." You are a joy and we are so thankful to have you in our lives.


- Midwest Mom