photo: victor sizemoreThis past Saturday I officiated awedding at The Ritz down in Dana Pt. Thephoto is not of the wedding, but it is of another wedding I officiated on thePacific Lawn. It’s one of my favoritevistas of the Pacific.
I had the pleasure of working forthe first time with Christine Bailey of White Orchid Productions. I hope it’s not my last time as she’swonderfully organized and her team went about their work with effortless ease and graciousness.
I always arrive an hour before aceremony’s start as it gives me the chance to settle in to a location andgather my thoughts for a final time. Andso it was on Saturday.
After checking base with Christine,I took a stroll behind the lawn. Andthat’s where I spotted the couple to whom this post is dedicated.
They looked to be well into their‘70’s. The man was in a wheelchair andhis wife was pushing him. She pushed thechair up to a fence that bordered the perimeter of bluff. Once he was close enough, he reached over tothe fence and pulled himself up. Thewife put her arm around him as they looked out. I thought, “how sweet.”
But then he turned to his wife,cupped her face in his hands and they began to kiss––energetically. I was startled because the scene went againstthe scenario I’d mentally created for them. Old couple; probably cranky; affectionless not to mention sexless––hopeshe doesn’t push him off the bluff! Iknow, none of this sounds very kind on my part, but, hey, if you knew myrelatives, you’d know why I came up with this oh-so-wrong snapshot!
I was deeply moved by the sight ofthem. Their bodies may have been broken,but their tenderness was strong. Andapparently their love was as vibrant as the love that my couple, Christine andNelson, was celebrating that day.
Before a couple exchanges rings, I havethem hold hands and remind them that “these are the hands of your best friend.” My reminder to them ends withthe line, “and these are the hands, even when aged, will still reach to youwith the same touch that comforts you today.”
I’ve like the image of that line;but, I’m not sure I’ve ever really understood the profoundness of it until I watchedthis couple, as the wife stroked her husband’s face (you’ll note that I’mpresuming they were married and not having an affair!).
I went on my way and officiated theceremony that was touching in many different details. Afterwards, as I walked to the lobby, Ipassed the cocktail lounge and who should I spot having a martini, but––mycouple from the bluff!
I grinned. . .so you’re in your70’s, use a wheelchair, but you’ve got a wife you still make out with (inpublic) and can cap it off with a drink at The Ritz. WOW! Now that’s the good life. . .
May your life be just as good. . .
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