Today marks yet another milestone date - the 9th anniversary of Melinda and my wedding in 2008! It also starts the inception of this blog, but back then we didn't do a lot of photos on the blog, so some of these might not have been well-circulated. Since it was the second marriage of each, we took the easy route - took advantage of the Riverwoods Camp grounds to hold the wedding, and held the reception in their outdoor pavilion. Melinda's sister Susan funded the pig roast, and we decided on a Hawaiian-themed event. Melinda happened to have a surfboard (rare in Illinois!), which sister Maj painted to reflect our anniversary date. It was a spectacular event and we were married 50 yards from our house, circled by friends and family on a warm sunny June day. We were even married by the minister that oversaw operations at Riverwoods - Tony Danhelka! That is Tony with the bride and groom at right. Seems like we kept all details "in the family"!
But as we all know, life is anything but predictable, and Melinda left us last year. Eight years of marriage wasn't nearly enough, and sometimes I dwell on the what-ifs, but if anything, I'm grateful for the time we did have together, as do you all who knew and loved her like me. So I mark another date with tears and smiles, as I encourage you all to do the same if you knew her, or have lost your own "love of your life". "Gone, but not forgotten" is an oft-used phrase, but appropriate when remembering her smile lighting up every room she entered. Happy anniversary, my love!
Today marks yet another milestone date - the 9th anniversary of Melinda and my wedding in 2008! It also starts the inception of this blog, but back then we didn't do a lot of photos on the blog, so some of these might not have been well-circulated. Since it was the second marriage of each, we took the easy route - took advantage of the Riverwoods Camp grounds to hold the wedding, and held the reception in their outdoor pavilion. Melinda's sister Susan funded the pig roast, and we decided on a Hawaiian-themed event. Melinda happened to have a surfboard (rare in Illinois!), which sister Maj painted to reflect our anniversary date. It was a spectacular event and we were married 50 yards from our house, circled by friends and family on a warm sunny June day. We were even married by the minister that oversaw operations at Riverwoods - Tony Danhelka! That is Tony with the bride and groom at right. Seems like we kept all details "in the family"!
But as we all know, life is anything but predictable, and Melinda left us last year. Eight years of marriage wasn't nearly enough, and sometimes I dwell on the what-ifs, but if anything, I'm grateful for the time we did have together, as do you all who knew and loved her like me. So I mark another date with tears and smiles, as I encourage you all to do the same if you knew her, or have lost your own "love of your life". "Gone, but not forgotten" is an oft-used phrase, but appropriate when remembering her smile lighting up every room she entered. Happy anniversary, my love!
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2 comments:
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman! Melinda truly did light up a room! Thank you for bringing her into our family to love as one of our own. Our lives are much richer for having known her. Happy Anniversary dear brother.
Kathy
Your depth of spirit to share your Melinda sunshine with this momma and your child-like love of the ski and cosmos with my sunny son on the anniversary of a marriage that surpasses the atoms of the Earth. Be well, friend! KT
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