This weekend I will have the honor and joy of marrying Kelly.
There are many things to say about the institution of marriage that I might normally be tempted to blog about; the legal, political, religious, cultural and social norms involved, the zaniness of the logistics involved when one decides to have a celebration with guests for the spectacle of what Ian Hay called "a ghastly public confession of a strictly private intention," the total failure of contemporary wedding rituals to incorporate modern technological tools and devices into their proceedings ("what do you mean I can't read my vows off my smart phone!?"), and so on.
But today, as friends and family gather to witness our commitment to each other and help us celebrate it, I can only speak of my deep appreciation for the community that has held and encouraged our relationship, the sense of adventure and happiness that I feel about what lies ahead, and my tremendous and growing admiration of and gratitude for who Kelly is - in my life and in the lives of so many others.
I am also grateful for the perspective that friends and life experience have helped me cultivate over time, that this commitment is not about "happily ever after" or reaching an end in itself, but instead about a new beginning; a place from which to start and a place to return; a complicated mix of hard work and letting go.
So...here we go!
Thanks to all who have offered words of congratulation and support.
Congratulations to both of you!!
Whee! Marriage is fun. Hope the wedding is a blast and we are bummed to be missing it.
Love,
Abby, Matthew and Noah
Congratulations!
Wow, congratulations to you both!