Some thoughts for dustin and Allicia on their wedding day

This is going to be a somewhat unusual posting for this site because 1) it has nothing to do with Lino (at least not directly), and 2) it's going to be done in single-person instead of the usual pluralistic style. The reason? I'm speaking to two people celebrating one of the most joyous days of their lives, and that by itself demands a change in protocol.

dustin and Allicia, my thoughts and prayers are with you today as you confer the Sacrament of Marriage on each other. It's particularly poignant for me because I was in your shoes exactly six years ago today. I can remember the nervousness, excitement, anticipation and joy of that day like it was yesterday, yet I'm amazed at how much has changed in the past six years for me and my wife. I've become a parent twice over: my little girl turns five in a week and a half, and my son turns three just a few days later. My daughter has become a talented artist, and her little brother knows his colors, ABCs and 123s like the back of his hand. We bought our own house and made it a home. My wife lost her beloved aunt to old age, and two of our family's pets succumbed to disease far too soon. We struggle financially but somehow seem to make it through thanks to God's providence. Our marriage has had its ups and downs, and there are days when I question why in the world I married my wife. Then I look at our kids, our home, and everything else good that's happened to us over the past six years. And then I look at my wife, promptly realize that she's the reason why all those things exist, and tell myself to shut the hell up and be grateful that God placed her in my life.

Is there a point to all my rambling? Only that you have a lot to look forward to... probably more than you might imagine now. So cherish your wedding day to the fullest (and enjoy "not sinning" tonight as dustin so coyly put it), because from this point on your lives will never, ever be the same.

Cheers to you two on your new journey together! We have a couple of lovely wedding gifts for you... one is in the mail, the other will be coming soon to a computer near you.