Delightful

"Delightful" is a word you don't hear much anymore, but it still means something, and it's still a good description if you ask me.

I attended my brother's wedding on Friday. Yes, it was Friday the 13th, but I have a feeling if one marriage is going to put all the superstitions to rest, his will be it.

His Bride is a delightful woman. You always hear descriptions of people as "kind, caring, genuine, decent, loving", but how many times in your life can you sit back and honestly assess someone that way? So rare that you see the union of 2 people who truly seem to be perfect for each other. I think this might be one of those times. We should all be so lucky.

The affair was delightful. (and by affair I'm talking about the WEDDING! They just got married for crying out loud!). It was held at a country club in Bethpage NY. I've been to weddings of all types, and I've seen good ones and not-so-good ones, but this one rated as GREAT. The entire staff was above-and-beyond competent. My only complaint: no women in boots. Rats. Not cold enough yet, I guess. I had a delicious meal, believe me, and they ran one of those "Venetian Hours" after the cutting of the cake. Imagine about 100 feet of tables loaded with nothing but DESSERTS! Again, my only complaint: not having enough arms to carry all the stuff I wanted to jam down my fat throat!

My kids were delightful. They were all dressed up, looking beautiful, and feeling beautiful. Nothing makes a Daddy smile bigger than seeing his kids react to compliments. Warms the old, Stupid heart a whole bunch.

But there was something else that was delightful. And unexpected.

A friend of my brother's flew in from New Mexico to attend the wedding. Melanie has been a long-time friend of his, so I was very familiar with her, and very glad to see her. She is one of those people you get to meet now and then, who again, fits all those descriptions you hear about folks. She looks into your eyes when you speak to her, and you can tell she is actually hearing you. And even though she may know only 10 minutes worth of my life story, she acted as though I was the most important person on earth. She is delightful.

She brought her partner Maggie with her. Incredible when there are two-of-a-kind in the same room. Maggie had a smile that lit up her whole face, and she is one of the most gentle people I have ever met. These women made me feel so important and special, that I'll never be able to thank them enough for their kindness and warmth. I'm still beat up, physically, so getting dressed and ready for the wedding was a little tough. The knees are on the mend, but we recently discovered a couple of ruptured discs in the old spine, which explains the recurring "OWWW"'s that popped up now and then. Never thought I could hate shoes! But the whole process was made a lot easier because of Melanie and Maggie. They're just kind, compassionate women, and that makes things better.

And I can't forget Sadie. She attended with one of my brother's closest friends, and coincidentally, also flew in from New Mexico. Her boyfriend, Keith, introduced us, we chatted, and she saw the distress I was in. She told me to wait a minute, ran off, and returned with a tube of analgesic creme for me to apply to the old aching back. And it helped and all, but just the act of kindness from an essential stranger was medicine enough for me.

A lot of fun, a lot of kindness. I was a happy boy by yesterday. We all stayed overnight in a local hotel after the wedding. I got to see most everyone the next morning at our group breakfast. But no Melanie, no Maggie. I was a little sad when the time came to head on out, because I really wanted to see them, and get one more hug from Melanie.

Two seconds before I stuffed myself into the car for my ride, I looked up and there she was. Smiling and coming my way.

I got my hug.

I loved that wedding.

Best Wishes to my brother and his new wife. Love to them both.

And thanks, Melanie, Maggie and Sadie. Love to you too. Delightful people.