Wedding Day!

Today our youngest son will marry his best friend. Today he will not be just our son but will become Megan’s husband.  He will be the head of his own household.  He is ready for this step and I am a proud mother!

When Christopher married, his bride gave me a book by Karen Kingsbury that talks about celebrating ‘firsts’ with your children but not ‘lasts’ because sometimes you don’t know they are the lasts.  I have been thinking about lasts for a couple of days now.

Yesterday I fixed breakfast for both of us; that was a last.  He played his last softball game as a single man.  He mowed our yard, which is the last time he’ll be responsible for that task!  Last night Sports Center was the first thing watched on our television – that’s probably a last as well! We said goodnight for the last time as we turned out the lights and went upstairs.  I needed to be quiet upstairs this morning for the last time as he will no longer wake up at this house.  When he leaves for the wedding today, it will be the last time this is home.  I know home is always home – but now he will have his own place.  This will be where he grew up but not the place he lives.  His car will not be parked in the garage and his room will be rather empty.  Those are the things a parent thinks of at times like these. (What is that liquid sliding down my cheeks?)

But remembering the ‘lasts’ doesn’t mean I’m not excited about the future.  We have all waited a long time for this day as these two have dated for over six years!  Megan has said she was on the ‘dating installment plan’ and I’m sure there have been times she wasn’t sure the payoff date would ever arrive, but it’s here and it’s today.

Eric and I could not have been any more excited about this union.  Megan is perfect for Nathaniel and her love for him is obvious.  He adores her and knows she is a gift from God. Knowing your children have chosen wisely whom they will spend their life with is a prayer answered for every parent.  Our family could not be happier.  This day will be a joyous occasion no matter what the weather or what doesn’t fall into place the way it’s been planned.  At the end of the day there will be a Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel VanBuskirk and we will celebrate!!!

Nathaniel is a fine, Godly man and Megan a precious Godly woman.  Eric would have been so excited for this day.  I think he was almost as anxious for it as Megan!  He knew this was a ‘match made in heaven’ and loved that Megan would be with Nathaniel through the journey of life.  I will miss having Nathaniel at home – he is a treasure to be sure – but in a few hours he will be completed, made one with his soul mate.  What could be better than that?

So, Joel and Eva and myself say good-bye today to a piece of parenthood, but gladly say hello to what lies ahead for our children.  Two sets of parents who have had a wonderful life together and are looking forward to seeing their children enjoy the same.  We love you Megan and Nathaniel and couldn’t be more proud or happy! Enjoy your day. Enjoy Jamaica.  Enjoy your life!

That’s why a man will leave his own father and mother.

He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person.

Genesis 2:24 (Contemporary English Version)