Saturday, August 4, 2012

Wedding Ninjas: 8/4/12

"May you live all the days of your life...."
Jonathan Swift

When I was in Junior High School an English teacher of mine told me if I wanted it my gift to the world could be my words. I do not know about that so much; I have never given words as a gift… to my knowledge. Perhaps I have written something that has moved someone and I do not know it. I no longer share my poetry out of sheer self-consciousness; all I really do anymore is write like this for my blog(s) and if you could only see my journal collection. So I guess I have never given much thought until recently the power words have and the gift they can be. I have no money. I own nothing of my own really… I am a poor student. I have nothing else to give but what I can write here. So for two of the greatest people in my life who are making a commitment to each other for what I honestly believe will be for their whole lives and beyond. This is what I would say if wedding ninjas could fly…

For Jessica and Jared on their Wedding Day:

Things happen in life that you sometimes do not see or appreciate for what they are at the time. I took a job I hated that gave me more than just a paycheck and in the long run more than I could have ever asked for. Sometimes the most horrible situations bring with them miracles unseen or unnoticed until moments of quiet reflection.

On the evening of Saturday, April 2nd, 2011, I agreed to work the concession stand at a dirt race track for my boss at the time. Highlight of my life. While there I got a simple text from Jessica, one of the best friends I have ever had, it was a simple picture of a beautiful blue ring. 208624_504989317103_5149739_nI thought it was gorgeous. I am shocked at the time it took for me to realize it was more than just a beautiful ring; it was the most beautiful ring.

Allow me to back up a moment… I met Jessica in a training class for a new job. At first glance she seemed shy and, forgive me, bookish. I never imagined that God, fate, life… whatever you subscribe to, put her in my path for a reason. She was and is so much more than my first glance told me. Jessica is a beautiful, wise, fun, daring, brave, and a confident young woman and I even being so much older than her quickly found I had/have much to learn from her.

Enter a very tall, very intelligent, and quick witted Jared. I cannot deny the irony of a conversation that Jess and I had in the shoe department of a store one day after work about how cute the “I.T. guy” was and that I liked him. I ended up dating someone else who deserves no mention here except that it was through him that I got to know Jared better, and was able to help bring Jessica and Jared together. I would like to take my small bow here, for being SOLELY responsible for bringing them together… because that’s how I roll.

Jared and that guy I dated… his name fails me now… moved in together and I was living with that guy so for a small time of my life I occupied space with Jared on a regular basis. I am pretty sure it was during this time that he learned I was the most irritating person he had ever encountered; of course I never meant to be, but these things happen. We had some hilariously epic… err… moments. Ranging from thoughts on parking to how okra should be properly fried in the south.

Jessica being the closest thing I have had to a best friend in North Carolina in all the 13-ish years I have lived here fascinated me. She was so much of the person I wanted/want to be and have never had the courage to. Jared and Jessica coming together was the most organic and natural collision of two souls I have ever witnessed. It was clear, very clear, from day one that something special was happening. I am so privileged to have witnessed it from its conception until now with the commencement of a new chapter… THE chapter.

Jared and Jessica have taught me so much over the years despite my initially driving Jared absolutely insane. I tend to talk a lot and get on a roll where 319180_506259107433_147256728_nthings just come out of my mouth with no filter and Jared usually just bangs his head on a table; whilst Jessica patiently gives me a look and I know I have said something really jaded, rash, moronic, or just need to stop… there. Through the two of them I have learned to be less ignorant, less jaded, and way more open minded… Fairly certain this will never extend to Jared’s love of Modest Mouse, but I have tried.

They helped me escape a situation, they knew, that I had to see for myself  what it was before I could walk away and were there to gently help me put it all back together. Together they have continued to help me heal and learn what love is. They have expanded my horizons and given me strength I did not know I had. Jessica has listened to me patiently, talk about nothing other than myself… she has become the voice of reason and logic in my life and head… and Jared has become the brother I wish I had. My love for these two people knows no bounds and I cannot give them anything other than this. My simple words of gratitude, awe, and love. I have never been more honored to know two people and grow with two people in my whole life.

I raise my glass to you, Jessica and Jared as you join in your union today. I am with you always, in your hearts and by spirit. I love you both with my whole heart. You are amazing and deserve more than any shiny trinket I could buy you from Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan or whatever “Stan” I told you I had bought you something from… I had not obviously… I only have this for you. Blessings on your marriage and your love that was obvious to any quiet observer from the very beginning. Cheers to you my friends and in the words of my Irish heritage I toast to you:

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.

May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.

May the saddest day of your future

Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

May your hands be forever clasped in friendship

And your hearts joined forever in love.

Your lives are very special,

God has touched you in many ways.

May his blessings rest upon you

And fill all your coming days.

I love you.

~a

Yes, it may be cheesy to you…. but I grew up on this music and I always dreamt that this song would play at my wedding one day. The words are powerful and if I could sing or write a song I would hope to write like this. <3

3 comments:

  1. Your words are truly one of the greatest gifts you can ever give because they will never be duplicated or given the same way to another person ever!!! Your gift is truly unique and very special!!!! Just like the writer!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael as usual your words bring a smile to my face and a leap of joy to my heart. Our "meeting" was by sheer chance and I am the luckiest person in the world to have you as a friend and cheerleader. If I ever finish that book I am writing.... You will certainly have a dedication. Thank you my friend... You have shown me friendship is not limited by boundaries, time, or space. Cheers.

      Delete
  2. This post was wonderful!!!!!! Through your words, I could feel in my heart your love for your friends. <3 EJ

    ReplyDelete