While standing at the counter of 
our local bank today, I saw a woman I hadn’t seen in four months. She said, “Suzanne, you’re home!” I replied, “Yes, just for five days.” She said, “You’re all dressed up,” and I replied, “Yes, I just married my sister.” In perfect unison the four bank tellers turned their heads in surprise as I quickly added, “That is … I performed the ceremony!”
What an honor to preside over the marriage of my sister Janice as today she became Mrs. Steve Gray. Such happiness to share this special occasion with our mother, Ruthie, my brother, Brent, sister-in-law, Cheryl, and friends Don and Jude. Alas, Ty was sadly missed as he stayed with the pups in New Hampshire, but he was certainly with us in spirit.
The other member of our family who was not with us physically was our father, Bill. Dad passed to
the other side in 2008 at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages. The building lies within sight of the beautiful lakeside park where we held our ceremony today. After Dad passed, my mentor Janet Nohavec told us that he would make his presence known through cardinals (She had no way of knowing that Dad loved birds). Later, when Brent and Cheryl returned to the hospice to show my niece Michelle the 
brick in Dad’s honor, a cardinal landed on the roof of the very room where Dad made his transition. That beautiful red bird stood and watched them to make sure they noticed. Today, Janice brought a ceramic cardinal to the ceremony as a stand-in for Dad. It seems he wanted to make his presence known in a more obvious way earlier, however, when Janice, Mom, and I left the house to drive to the ceremony …
The car was parked in our driveway with the doors open. As we approached it, a giant Monarch butterfly flew towards the car and began to hover over it. I stopped in my tracks, noting the strange motions of the butterfly as it began to circle the car. My step-daughter Susan had sent us little yellow butterflies after she passed, but this wasn’t a sign from Susan. No, when that big old butterfly this morning flew right inside the car and made itself at home, I knew it was a message from our dad that he wouldn’t miss t his special day for anything. After making sure the car was good to go, the butterfly exited the back seat, gave a final circle around the vehicle, did a touch-and-go on the hood, and fluttered off.
When I stopped by our photographer Paula’s house later to thank her, she was in the middle of telling her husband about the amazing butterfly. I want to note for the record that the photos here are screen shots of a video, quickly grabbed to post this story. The professional photos will come later to remind us of this memorable, love-filled day. Janice and Steve, we are so happy for you and wish you good health and joy in the years ahead.
Gratitude is one of the best ways to open one’s heart, which explains why mine is overflowing right now. I am grateful for so many things, especially that we were able to share this day with my mother, who turns 88 tomorrow. And I am grateful that we can share our mutual birthday in person yet again. She says I was her birthday gift on the day I was born, but her love is a gift I treasure every day.
Love abounds.
What a glorious love fest! Every word and picture is so filled with love, gratitude, and celebration! Exactly as it should be!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Suzanne. I am so happy for you and your family and am sending all of you my love. I am especially moved that your Mother says you were and are her birthday gift. Not everyone of her generation feels comfortable expressing their love so openly. What a dear woman.
What a great day, love to all !
That magnificent monarch, AKA Dad, blessed your sister’s wedding with a bit of magic and validation of the bride and groom. That you officiated, Suzanne, is special indeed. Celebrating mutual birthdays with your mom kicked the family festivities up a joyous notch or two. Congratulations and Happy Birthdays!