Both Sides of the Fence

A Tosa resident since 1991, Christine walks the dog, cooks but avoids housework, writes and reads, and enjoys the company of friends and strangers. Her job takes her around the state, learning about people's health. A Quaker (no, they don't wear blue hats or sell oatmeal or motor oil), she has been known to stand on both sides of the political and philosophic fence at the same time, which is very uncomfortable when you think about it. She writes about pretty much whatever stops in to visit her busy mind at the moment. One reader described her as "incredibly opinionated but not judgmental." That sounds like a good thing to strive for!

Home from the wedding

Kids

No matter how beautiful Colorado is, some things make you appreciate Wisconsin. The ease of getting through airport security here is one. And skin loves the moisture in our air.

We had a whirlwind weekend trip for daughter Annie's wedding. This being the start of the school year for Geo, Liz, and me, we couldn't stay as long as we might have liked. But we made it west for the preparations, the main event at a lovely log lodge near Estes Park, and a half day of stunned unwinding before heading back.

It was not a formal event, and much the nicer for its informality. People and good fortune stepped in to weave all the threads together.  And when my beautiful daughter, on her father's arm,  walked down the stoney goat path lit with lanterns, it wasn't just the knifeblade sliver of satin gown that shone with reflected light. She glowed from within.

Which is exactly as it should be. Annie and John stood next to the fire ring to exchange their rings, and a small group of people who love them were there to hold this marriage in our hearts, a sacred trust.

Geo filmed, and Liz was a gorgeous barefoot bridesmaid.

Annie's Colorado mother, Kay, and other friends filled most of the roles a mother of the bride normally has. But I got to make salsa and zip Annie into her dress.

There wasn't much sleep, what with strange places and a stuffy nose and all those thoughts and memories that keep  your mind too busy. I suppose that's why I felt so weepy on the way home.

Annie's been gone for several years, but marriage is a mountainous shift, at least in a mother's mind.

In these tears are joy and pride. The children are grown so well. But they have grown away, too. You can't help but feel a little loss even as you see their lives opening wider. I remind myself that mine has expanded, too: a son-in-law and the sweet family he brings, these fine friends of theirs.

Time to buy another box of tissues!

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