As many of you already know, my son is getting married in Maine, USA, in just over a week. It hardly feels like a year ago that we were celebrating his engagement in our garden, and yet here we are preparing to set out for the main (pun intended) event.
To say that the intervening year has been fraught would be an understatement, but we have resolved what we can and are now desperate to reunite with my family, friends and new relations.
Though we hadn’t met Genevieve until last August, we have got to know her well since and are absolutely delighted that she will be our daughter-in-law.
All my bags are packed; I’m ready to go
Well, not quite. I have my wedding outfit and shoes and some sense of what I need to pack. Unfortunately, Maine’s weather fluctuates wildly, but a quick peek at the forecast suggests that we’ll be in the 70s during the time we’re there. I’ll definitely need a light coat, as the evening temperature is unlikely to be much above 5o degrees.
We’re leaving our home and Hermione in Mariia’s capable hands, and no doubt the house will be much tidier on our return.
Of course, my head is filled with lists and all the tasks that must be done – not least wrapping gifts and making cards. With my husband’s 60th birthday on Friday, I don’t want his special day to get submerged in the preparations, so I’m trying to keep some time for him.
Image: Karen Costello-McFeat
All weddings take so much more mental and physical energy than seems proportionate to the events of a day, but, of course, it is not simply a day but a life that is being defined by those few hours.
By surrounding the betrothed with those who love them, with feasting and dancing, we are helping launch them into matrimony with the best start possible. Nurtured in love, we hope to give them the ideal soil in which to grow together.
We are all aware that life doesn’t always go to plan, yet in attending the wedding we are saying, essentially, ‘We are there for you.’ We look forward to rejoicing in good times and hope to console you in more troubled ones. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community of friends and family to support a marriage.
Tell me that you’ll wait for me
The next two weeks will pass in a blur of travel and celebrations, so there will be no time to write my blog. I hope that you enjoy these last few weeks of summer as much as I intend to and look forward to sharing all my adventures with you upon my return.
I missed you on Friday! Glad you’re okay. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy the festivities! Look forward to hearing all about it when you get back. X
Thank you Wendy! I scheduled for Friday, but for some reason, it didn’t post 🙁 All packed now and ready to go! Too excited! xx
Hi Karen. All the VERY BEST to you, Jeff, Greg and Genevieve. And indeed to Scott and the wider family. I hope the weather is kind and the wine plentiful. You’ll need a lot of liquid intake to supply the tears! James.
Thank you James! I’ll pass on your good wishes and I’m hoping my mascara can survive the torrents! Take care, Love Karen x
Have a wonderful time at the wedding Savour and enjoy every moment. I hadn’t realised you hadn’t met Genevieve until last year. She is so delightful and fitted completely into your family and looked as though she’d known you all for years.
Wishing the happy couple a lifetime of happiness! ❤️❤️
Have a wonderful trip you two!
Congratulations to dear Gregory and Genevieve. I still remember him and Scott playing in my garden with Kate, Jack and their other friends.., dressed in marching band outfits with assorted instruments!
Much love to you all xxx
What a lovely memory! It only seems moments ago that they were little tiddlers! So many happy recollections. Love Karen x