In less than a day these two, Sue and Dan, will be married. Not only will they be married, but I will be the one leading the festivities in my role as The Officiant. Yes, me. I'm signing the marriage certificate and running the ceremony. I've taken my role quite seriously, even looking up cool and unusual readings for the happy couple. Sue and Dan were trying to stay as far away from schlock as possible (which I applaud), and I think we've achieved that. There will be NO readings from Corinthians (Hey, Love isn't always so patient and kind) and NO Pachabel's Cannon in D playing in the background. (If that's not McMusic, I don't know what is.)
I love weddings. They are great. This year I am going to a lot of them and I am psyched for each one. I am especially happy for Sue, because she is a great gal who I've known for many years. (We're talking Clinton-era, kids.) When Sue asked me to be the officiant I almost burst with fruit flavor. The performer in me saw it as the Ultimate Role, not to mention the Ultimate Honor.
For days now I have been practicing my, "By the power invested in ME and the State of New York, I now promouce you Man and Wife. It's going to be great!
Good Lord, I'm getting weepy already!
Before I spontaneously combust, I leave you with a snippet from the Apache Marriage Blessing, one of the readings I'll be doing tomorrow. I think it sums up the whole idea of a life partner well.
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for each other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth for the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your life together. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
