A Blending of Two Families

This past weekend we took a step back in, what we would consider, the normal route life takes us. In life, we celebrate birth, graduation, marriage, anniversaries and are now at the stage where we have buried our mom, dad or a grandparent, depending on whose perspective.

My H and I had gotten into a routine where, quite often on a Sunday, you would find us popping in on our mom, his or mine, or both. We saw that being alone is a lonely place to be and the bright smiles of welcome we received were worth the time. Then, this past spring we said our final goodbye to his mom, while at the same time, my mom found a new love to share life with.

The anticipated day finally arrived and we have witnessed that when a heart if filled with love there is always room for more. And so we took a step back in the way life was beginning to look for us.



On Friday members from both sides of the family met a the church gym to prepare. Some grandsons came to help with the tables … and everyone just got to work . . . doing whatever they saw needed doing . . . arranging flowers, ironing tablecloths, setting tables, taping down a runner or running out for little extra things.

I could not go home to sleep until pretty well everything was done.

On Saturday I picked my mom up from the hairdresser's and took her home to get dressed. Later, at the door of her apartment we rang for her name, the name she has had for 55 years, for the final time.

We took her to the church and parked by a door discreetly tucked away from the main entrance, in case anyone would want to see the bride before it was time.

In the foyer the little ones were looking as cute as could be in their wedding clothes, waiting to walk down the isle . . . which turned out to be only a dream when most of them got cold feet. I guess every wedding has to have something to laugh about.

In the sanctuary a daughter of the groom took care of a final detail.

The good thing is … the couple was very happy to walk down the isle together and be seated on their special chairs. As per their request, they were serenaded with music by both sides of the family… which included, piano, flute, guitar, voice . . . and you could tell they really appreciated that. There was a message for them, the exchange of the rings, the signing of the register and some special moments before they announced the new Mr. and Mrs.

Then it was done! They did not exactly run out of the church.

While the guests filed into the gym, the immediate family . . . about 50 of us . . . gathered on the front steps of the church for formal photos. I will just share some of our personal candid shots.



This photo may look vaguely familiar for some reason . . . that is, if you saw an earlier post of the two of us  in the last post. Heidi and I have not seen each other much lately, but I have a feeling that will change now. Our parents, being who they are, will be sure to get the whole gang together at the lake and I do look forward to that.



A photo with the daughters from both sides . . . the ones who grew up together. They've always called my mom Tante Erika as we called their mom Tante Kaethe . . . which was how we were taught as children to call those adults who were close to the family. I know that in her heart mom has adopted them along with their two brothers and spouses too. She will never take the place of their mom, but she will support their dad in his love and care for his family.

The great-grandchildren on my side are happy that Oma (what they call their great-grandmother) has an Opa that comes with the package now and they have no problem calling him that.

Some of our own cuties hanging out and waiting for photos to be done already. . .

before heading off to the reception.

 One final photo of the couple in the centre of it all.

 

I realized after the reception that the bouquet did not get tossed and took it home for safekeeping until they return from their honeymoon. This daughter of the bride is happy and content to know that her mom is in good hands. My prayer is that, as they share the end of life's journey with all that comes into the picture in a blended family, their sorrows be divided and their joys be multiplied.