I always cry at weddings

The newlyweds just after the ceremony

with maid of honor, minister nd best man

Tonight was no exception As the ceremony ended, I felt tears rolling gently down my cheeks. Sue and Teddy married in what can only be described as a classy ceremony. At the Fort Worth Club at 5:00 p.m.. A relatively small group gathered, some fifty-plus people. The ceremony was in a small room off the grill, fitted with a runner and twelve chairs for family, two flower arrangements on pedestals in place of an altar. A young man played the bass, a woman sang—“Love Me Tender,” was one of the selections. Sue’s daughter was her maid of honor, and her son walked her down the aisle. Teddy’s daughter sat next to me in the front row.

Teddy and Sue wrote their own vows, which made the brief ceremony even more meaningful. Her son later said to me, “Wow! That was quick. I couldn’t believe it was over so fast.” But they packed a lot of love and emotion into those few minutes. Clearly these are mature people who have thought about their commitment and made it gladly, willingly, with their eyes wide open.

Afterward there was a cocktail hour with wonderful hors d’oeuvres—strawberry and brie on raisin toast squares and warm duck comfit crostini with brie, passed by waiters. A seated dinner, with designated seating, followed—spinach salad, beef short ribs, stuffed quail and wonderful vegetables. An assortment of desserts was available for those who wanted to partake.

Music was provided by a gentle trio who played mostly traditional jazz—a keyboardist who was the lead, a bass player and a drummer. When they came back after a short break, I was amused and pleased to see that the keyboardist was a man of at least my age who walked with a walker. Reinforced my determination that I can do anything on a walker.

As at the pre-party last night, I found myself rooted in one spot because of my mobility problems. But it was okay. People came to talk to me, and I met some lovely people—some from Canada, where Sue came from; some from Teddy’s stomping grounds in California. Made me think how wonderful it is that these two ended up together in Texas. And also made for a sociable and happy evening.

I go out a fair amount, but in this my new life I don’t go to truly classy events like this often, and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was sparse, clean, and lovely, spoke of good taste. Here’s a toast to the bride and groom—may they have many more happy years ahead of them.

Several asked tonight how I knew the bride or groom. Sue and her children lived next door to me when the children were young. They were here for several years, though now I can’t tell you when or how long, but I think Hunter was in pre-K and they stayed through his fifth grade year. He just graduated from high school Sue’s parents live in Ottawa, Ontario, so somewhere along the line she dubbed me her Fort Worth mom because her own mom was so far away. That became the way I explained my presence to people tonight.

Now I’m looking forward to a wedding rehash with the newlyweds when they settle back to earth. Want to hear what went right, what was funny, who such and such was, and all that. Meantime I’ll savor the memory of a truly love wedding and a lovely evening.

Jordan and me with the newlyweds