Monday, August 30, 2010

.. . . . . . Of Hope and Love

Saturday I went to a beautiful wedding. I cried when I saw tears from the father of the bride as he gave his daughter to her new husband. My heart was filled with hope as I saw the love between the bride and her groom. They, too, were filled with hope, evident in their eyes and their smiles.

They hope for wonderful days ahead, for blessings of health, strength, compassion and love. They hope for fairy-tale endings and real-life miracles. They hope for a strong family and years of growth, until they finally grow old together.

The ceremony, only a few minutes long, reminded me why love is so important. It reminded me that I need to demonstrate love in all I do, as well as in the ways I touch, smile and see others. I am grateful for this event and for the restored hope and joy I feel because of it. I will always remember the look on the bride's face as she stood next to her groom, as he caressed her hand and they said, "I do". A beautiful start to a happy, hopeful, loving life together. My best wishes to Nicole and Patrick as they start out their lives together. And, congrats to my dear friend, Noellee, the amazing mother of the bride!

I pray we can all have that kind of hope and love in our families, this day and always.

PS - Thank you to my dear friends who helped me out at church yesterday when I was feeling dizzy and under the weather. Your loving actions give me hope in mankind. :)

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jodi - I was so blessed that you were there to share our special day. I love your words "Of Hope and Love," and I will share them with Nicole and Patrick when they return from their Honeymoon. I can say they are truly in love and I know they have found their soul mates in each other. I'm so happy for them. You are the sweetest and I love you. You always look for the best in everyone and every situation. See you soon. Love, Noellee

Anonymous said...

Jodi - I was so blessed that you were there to share our special day. I love your words "Of Hope and Love," and I will share them with Nicole and Patrick when they return from their Honeymoon. I can say they are truly in love and I know they have found their soul mates in each other. I'm so happy for them. You are the sweetest and I love you. You always look for the best in everyone and every situation. See you soon. Love, Noellee

Anonymous said...

Jodi, all my best for you and your health and your own wonderful family. I will be signing off as your blog follower but will never forget all the grit and hope it offered.

April Blakeley said...

I am so glad you are doing better...I was walking behind you and almost caught up to you when Randy spotted you. I have been thinking about you alot since then, let me know if you need anything