Remembering

Eleven years ago the excitement was beginning to build. The Las Vegas chapel was booked, the limo driver was scheduled, a very big day had arrived, Loretta and I were getting married. The ceremony was small. Loretta and I and Elaina (Loretta’s daughter). I don’t know what we were expecting from a Vegas wedding, but we didn’t get it.

Our preacher began by praying and speaking a wonderful blessing on the two of us. He talked about how people gather baggage on their life journey and how our wedding day would be a new beginning! Wow! We really needed to hear that. I still have the video, and if I have the guts, I’ll pull it out and watch it sometime today.

Grieving is hard. Some moments you are celebrating the positive and joyful milestones and memories. Laughing with fond remembrances and then sobbing.

Our wedding kicked off the best vacation trip of my life, our honeymoon to Tahiti. Somehow we got it in our heads to get certified for scuba diving. We were on a mission, and we accomplished it! The beautiful Tahitian water and underwater sea life was an amazing new world. It was a great start to a great marriage. My dear Loretta, I am thinking about you this morning. And with tears rolling down my cheeks I am celebrating our anniversary. I will always love you.