Week 226
Positive post Sunday, June 20, 2021- Week 226.
This past week has been a very “Positive” week for our family. On Friday, Michele and I celebrated our 38th wedding Anniversary and on Thursday our youngest daughter Kristy and Matt Wilson were married and two days later on Saturday they celebrated their 1st wedding Anniversary. Sound confusing? Let’s just say Covid happened.
I continue to be blessed to share my life with a faithful, selfless, patient and generous servant of the Lord. We have celebrated and endured many of life’s joys and challenges during our journey to date. I couldn’t have asked the good Lord for a more spiritual and loving life partner. Actually, I did ask him for her, I just didn’t know her until he brought us together one morning in that crazy Psychology class at Glendale Community College in 1980. And as they say, the rest is history. And what a wonderful history filled with faith and family, 5 children and 11 grandchildren so far! I look forward to the rest of our journey as we continue to serve the Lord, our family and our community. Michele, you will always be my “Endless Love”.
When Kristy and Matt were married this past Thursday, it marked the end of a chapter in our journey. Here is an abbreviated version of what I proudly shared with all their guests at their wedding:
This is one of the most rewarding yet bittersweet moments for a father. Some may say I’m losing a daughter, but I see it as gaining a son. As the saying goes, this is not my first rodeo, or in this case wedding, in fact it’s my fourth opportunity to give a daughter away. I’ve been asked if this is just routine for me now. Let me assure you that it’s not, each one of my daughters are unique and special in their own way, and each wedding has also been unique. Kristy would say that we saved the best for last!
Kristy and Matt, you have certainly been resilient over this past year. You have navigated through unprecedented times with unprecedented patience and love, and although you have already said, “I do” we are honored to be here tonight to witness it too!
My dearest Kissers, on July 23, 1993 your mom and I were blessed to welcome our last child into this world. It’s hard to think of you as our baby since you have grown up so fast. Your wedding today marks the end of a chapter in our lives, one that has brought us much joy. Although, as they say in the Wide World of Sports, while raising our children, we have certainly experienced “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”, all of which have made us resilient and helped us grow.
Kristy, this also marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life, and as you turn the page, mom and I want you to know that we are so proud of you in so many ways. I recently gave you a deck of cards titled, “What’s My Word”, with 33 meaningful question cards designed to help you find a word that describes your intent in Life. One of the questions is, “What does the world need more of?” My answer is, YOU! You are a strong and determined young woman of unwavering faith, who loves her family and who has found her purpose in life, to serve others. You are organized, thoughtful and caring, and it is truly an honor to be your father!
I am so proud of your educational accomplishments and the career you have chosen. Knowing the many sacrifices you made in support of our family when you were growing up, and observing your natural ability to help others with faith as your foundation, I have no doubt that with God’s guidance, you will be an amazing school psychologist, therapist or counselor.
Matt, on July 2nd, 2009 you asked my daughter to be your girlfriend. I’m sure looking back, you had no idea what you were getting into! We are a rather large and energetic family. Please also know that we are grateful for your help over the years, often watching the kids and “Ubering” them around before that service was actually available. Your assistance was helpful beyond your awareness.
Matt, your mom and dad did an amazing job grooming the groom. I have seen you grow exponentially over the past few years. You are a bright, respectful, thoughtful, honest and caring young man. How you treat my daughter speaks volumes about your character. We are all also very proud of your educational and work achievements. We are blessed and privileged to have you as a part of our family.
The day you asked me for Kristy’s hand in marriage, you said, quote “I will put your youngest daughter’s needs ahead of my own”. That will be important for a strong and sustainable marriage. Someday you and Kristy will also put the needs of your children and grandchildren ahead of both of your needs. You have had plenty of training selflessly helping us raise your nieces and nephew. I am more than confident you will make wonderful parents someday.
Kristy and Matt, words can’t express how incredibly proud your mother and I are of both of you. We have seen you grow so much over this past challenging year, deepening your Faith, advancing your education, settling in in your careers, and now you are homeowners!
My ADVICE for both of you comes from a dear friend of mine’s late father, “have a tender heart before God”. Remember to always make Faith the foundation on which you build your lives and family, and complete your “Triangle of Life”, by putting Family second only to God and remaining vigilant on maintaining your physical and mental Fitness.
My WISH for both of you is that your love continues to grow with time and your marriage is as fulfilling and rewarding as your mom’s and mine. You come from a legacy of love and a history of family who took our vows seriously “Till death do us part”. Please know that your mother and I will always be there for you (in good times and in bad times), because that’s what parents do. We’re just paying it forward from our parents and grandparents who are and were always there for us.
I thank the Lord for blessing us with a faithful daughter and son in law and ask for his blessing upon you as you continue to make God the main ingredient in your marriage.
As noted in Mathew 19:6, So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Wilson!
Love Dad!
What have you celebrated this past week and have you thanked God for your blessings?