Yellow, blue, purple, orange; colors of the rainbow surrounded my sister Patty on her wedding day. Her four boys, dressed in colorful shirts, walked Patty down the aisle (nature path). Alex and Brett led the way. Tom and Mark, hand in hand with their mother, escorted Patty through the trees. The gathering of family and friends parted, clearing the path for Patty and her boys. Scott, her groom, and his son Andrew waited with the preacher for the Moody’s arrival. With a waterfall flowing in the background, the ceremony proceeded. Patty pulled the preacher forward as she began to speak. Unfortunately, without a microphone the crowd strained to hear the words that she uttered. However, when she asked, “Who gives this woman?”, not only did Tom respond, the entire audience said, “We do!”
Scott’s son Andrew read “Love is patient, love is kind… ” I stood off to the side taking photos, capturing a few memorable shots. Soon, I realized that we were witnessing two “families” becoming one. Appropriately, it ended with the song “We are family.” Patty danced as Scott smiled.
It was a hot and sticky day in Chicago. The warm crowd mingled as groups converged for their photo op. It was quite a challenge for the photographer to capture our entire family, though she claimed to have done so. After my family photo, I followed some friends to the reception area for a cool beverage.
Poems were read, toasts were given and food was enjoyed. The crowd laughed when cousin Rich pointed out that two of his cousins were wed, “in the north.” Scott on his father’s side, Patty on his mother’s. Tom, Patty’s eldest, referred to Scott as “fruity and soft.” Scott’s son Andrew confirmed that he was indeed both fruity and soft. Andrew brought the crowd to tears as he spoke of love and loss. Both Patty and Scott lost a partner. The mixed families shared what was lost and what was found. Love prevails.
As the South side of Chicago does so well, plenty of celebrating followed. While out on the dance floor, Patty exclaimed, “I have a hubbie Nancy!” A minute later Scott cut in. I happily stepped aside and left him with his bride. “As time goes on, I realize, just what you mean, to me. And now, now that you’re near, promise your love, that I’ve waited to share, and dream of our moments together, color my world, with hope, of lovin’ you…” With “Color My World” resonating in the room, I walked away hoping my sister has found what she has been seeking. “Best wishes Patty and Scott!” Be well… Nancy T.
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