Sunday, August 24, 2008

Another Beginning


Every wedding I am fortunate enough to attend gives me another opportunity to become a part of something special. Earlier this month I was able to share the beginning of Cody and Christy's life together.

Christy is a teacher and i've learned a very important lesson about teachers, they are planners! Some brides go the extra mile and then you've got people like Christy, who are able to coordinate their ceremony months in advance and actually pull it off down to the letter. I know what you are thinking...bridezilla. That was not the case for this extremely well prepared bride, she was calm and collected from start to finish.

Enter the all-american, baseball-playing groom Cody. What a great guy! Had we lived near each other growing up, I am sure he would have been someone I would hang out with. He broke some molds with his genuine support for his planning princess. From the first time I met him to the reception, he was always cracking me up!

Together they are an amazing couple, good-looking, fun-loving and passionate about each other, they've got the world at their fingertips. Sometimes I think we all need to see the beginning of a life together to remember why we started our own. Thanks for the inspiration Cody and Christy!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Fallen Comrades


July 21, 2008, America lost six of its sons in a B-52 crash off the coast of Guam.  Five of the crew members were stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and the fifth was a member of Anderson Air Force Base, Guam.  

Amongst a standing room only crowd, I attended a memorial service held July, 25 to celebrate the lives of those who were lost.  Family and friends lined the front rows as various commanders spoke of the lost crew's passion for flying and their love of the country.

I couldn't help but notice the families reactions during the emotional ceremony.  Wives without husbands, children without fathers, friends standing alone, all dealing with the loss of their loved ones.  

What words can be said to comfort those that remain after their husbands, fathers, sons, family and friends paid the ultimate sacrifice?  What lesson can we learn from their lives?  Live with compassion, courage and conviction...love with all your heart and soul...never take life for granted.

Farewell crew of Raider 21...