A Very Special Weekend

This past weekend we attended a very special event in New York City; the wedding of Debbie’s daughter (my step-daughter) Jenna and her bride Emily.

Leaving Savannah aboard Amtrak’s Silver Meteor train we arrived in NYC Friday morning around 11:00.

We had all afternoon to relax before we attended the welcome dinner which was at a fantastic restaurant in Brooklyn, named Frankies 457 Spuntino. The food was delicious and many of their friends got up to say a few special words about this great couple. Jenna and Emily’s friends are really a great group of outstanding citizens who I think will have a very positive influence in the direction our country takes in a few years.

Saturday was the big day, and I was able to take a walk around SOHO while the women were getting their hair and makeup done. Guys have it so much easier. All we have to do is shower, shave, and make sure our ties matches the suit.

Before the ceremony, photos were taken of the family and friends on the balcony of our hotel

The ceremony took place at the Housing Works Bookstore. Housing Works is an organization that helps people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Their mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain their efforts. Since 1990, they have provided a comprehensive array of services to more than 30,000 homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. They believe that providing stable housing is healthcare and is the first step toward living a long and healthy life. Supportive services include but are not limited to housing, healthcare, meals and nutritional counseling, mental health and substance use treatment, job training, and legal assistance.

In keeping with this mission, instead of giving out thank you gifts to all of the guests, Jenna and Emily asked that everyone select a book from the shelves, which they then purchased and donated the money, and books, back to the bookstore. Like I said they are part of a group of outstanding citizens.

There are seven blessings as part of the wedding ceremony, and we were asked to give the blessing of adventure.

We are all blessed throughout our life, with opportunities to enjoy many adventures. Daily adventures with family, friends, and coworkers enjoying new experiences, resolving difficult problems successfully – or just getting through them. New adventures like finding new friends or activities.

May you both be blessed with the spirit to continue to seek and accept adventure – new parts of the world or people to explore. Most of all to continue to enjoy the adventure of each other as you achieve new knowledge, new trust, and growing love.

The reception was a great party with delicious food and a DJ who knew what songs to play to get everyone onto the dance floor.

Being the step-father of one of the brides, I may be biased in my opinions, but I have to say that these two women are incredible. They are two of the most awesome individuals I have ever met, and I am truly honored to know them. They are remarkable.

Jenna and Emily, as you embark on this next chapter in your lives, always remember to hold each other tight and enjoy the journey. Because it’s the journey, not the destination, that is most important.