A Final Blessing

To my regular readers, a heartfelt apology for not having posted anything the last week or so. I’ve been a little distracted by family business, but the best kind of business of all. This past weekend our son was married in Missoula, Montana, where he is just graduating from the university. It’s difficult to write from where I am, being somewhere out on the open road between Montana and California, but for any who are interested I offer the poem which I read during the ceremony on Saturday. Usually, I edit out names and genders in my personal writings before posting them in order to broaden their appeal for my audience. However, today I offer this most personal poem just as I recited it during the beautiful outdoor wedding that meant so much to our family.

I’m sure that my family matters are of little interest to many readers. However, weddings play an important part in the life and legacy of any family and serve as valuable milestones for us. These are the times when we gather to celebrate together and renew our kinship with friends and relatives who often live far away. These moments also remind us of some of the most cherished truths in life: the value of relationships, of love and fidelity, and the spiritual aspects of our marriages. We participate as witnesses before God to mankind’s most fundamental institution and have the opportunity to rethink our own vows and what they mean to a lifelong relationship.

So today I close with a wish for all the best to Chris and Lacey as they start their new life together and a big thank you to our new in-laws, the Jacksons, for their wonderful daughter and how much she means to our family. For all the rest of us, let this be a reminder of our own vows and commitments. And wherever you find yourself on the road of life and relationships, always remember that it’s never too late to begin your own happily ever after.

A Final Blessing
All those endless months of planning
And preparing now have passed
And the moment you’ve been waiting for
Is finally here at last
The culmination of your hopes and dreams
The answer to your prayers and plans
Now, here we stand with all your friends
And family near at hand
Just one more kiss and he’ll pronounce
That you are man and wife
Then you’ll turn to walk together
Down the aisle of your life
But before you take that final walk
I feel that you should know
Just how proud we are of each of you
And how we love you so
Our blessing is upon you
Our fondest hopes, our fervent prayers
Wherever life may lead you
Our best wishes follow there
May God grant you love and patience
And a faith which casts off fears
May His Word and wisdom guide you
Through the swiftly flying years
May joy and happiness be yours
May your home a beacon be
Which shines the light of God’s love
And may He bless your family
Dearest Chris and Lacey
Beloved daughter, honored son
Today you leave together
Not as two, but finally one
May you never lose the wonder
Of that most profound mystery
Cherish one another always
And may God grant you unity
May His hand of blessing ever be
Upon the two of you
May every happiness be yours
To last a whole life through
By Frank Carpenter ©