Ahhh... aren't they cute?
JD and Meredith got married last night in Quincy, IL. It was a beautiful ceremony. Steve officiated (he's done 3 wedding now... including my dad's!), and he did a WONDERFUL job. Nathan was the ring bearer, and he did fantastic. I think the little flower girl, an adorable 2-year-old named Clair, had a bit of a crush on him by the end of the wedding. They looked very sweet together. JD and Meredith had asked me to write something to read at their wedding, so this is what I wrote:
When JD and Meredith asked me to write something to read during their wedding, I was flattered, but a bit overwhelmed. Should I write a poem, or a song, or share a funny story about what it was like growing up with JD as a brother? Any of those would have been appropriate, but in the end, I decided that the best thing to share today was not something written by me, but something written by our mother before her death over 10 years ago.
Before our mom died, she wrote out her prayers for me, for my dad, and for my brother JD. I would like to share her prayers for JD with you now. She wrote:
I know God has listened to my prayers and answered some. That adds to my peace of mind.
My prayer for JD was that he be at the right college for him, Truman or William Jewell. When he decided to transfer to Jewell at semester my prayer for him became that he make a good transition and that he didn’t regret his decision. I wanted him to make a good transition academically, socially, and athletically. I believe that he has.
My continued prayer for JD is that he continues to be successful at Jewell moving on to higher levels. I hope his organizational skills grow to meet the new responsibilities he’ll have. I hope he learns to admit humility and I want him to eventually find a wonderful life partner.
As we stand here today, I can see that all my mother’s prayers were answered. JD, you were successful in college, and you continued on to higher educational levels. You have grown more organized as your responsibilities in life have increased. You’ve even been known to admit when you’re wrong… from time to time. And today, we celebrate with you; because you have found the beautiful, wonderful woman that you will spend your life with. I know mom is very proud of you. And Meredith, I know she would have loved you. Thank you for being the answer to her final prayer for my brother. Congratulations to you both, and may God bless you today and always.
Before our mom died, she wrote out her prayers for me, for my dad, and for my brother JD. I would like to share her prayers for JD with you now. She wrote:
I know God has listened to my prayers and answered some. That adds to my peace of mind.
My prayer for JD was that he be at the right college for him, Truman or William Jewell. When he decided to transfer to Jewell at semester my prayer for him became that he make a good transition and that he didn’t regret his decision. I wanted him to make a good transition academically, socially, and athletically. I believe that he has.
My continued prayer for JD is that he continues to be successful at Jewell moving on to higher levels. I hope his organizational skills grow to meet the new responsibilities he’ll have. I hope he learns to admit humility and I want him to eventually find a wonderful life partner.
As we stand here today, I can see that all my mother’s prayers were answered. JD, you were successful in college, and you continued on to higher educational levels. You have grown more organized as your responsibilities in life have increased. You’ve even been known to admit when you’re wrong… from time to time. And today, we celebrate with you; because you have found the beautiful, wonderful woman that you will spend your life with. I know mom is very proud of you. And Meredith, I know she would have loved you. Thank you for being the answer to her final prayer for my brother. Congratulations to you both, and may God bless you today and always.
Yes... I cried the entire time. So did JD, and Meredith, and all our families, and everyone else who was there. But that's not a bad thing. It was, in fact, a beautiful moment for us all. It meant the world to my brother and his bride... and I'm sure my mom was pleased as well.
3 comments:
Wow that was really nice. I even cried, so must have been pretty powerful words.
Miss you guys!
I am glad to know that it is ok to cry cry at your own wedding (for joy!) I had always thought that it was strange that I cried while uniting with the love of my life. This is special to me to find out that others do it. Congratulations to the couple. I wish I could know them better.
Official Observer
Grace, I think you spoke the exact words that your mom would have wanted you to say. To say the least, it was especially moving for us and I know JD was thrilled that you included your mother in the wedding in this fashion. I could not have been more proud of you and JD on his special day.
With Love, Aunt Becki
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