And in the end…there is love.

I have had the privilege of seeing my mother get married two times. The first wedding I attended was when she married my stepfather, Dennis. I was 3-years-old at the time, and I only have vague memories of the day they were married. The wedding was at my aunt and uncle’s house, and I wore a blue dress, the same color as the one my mother wore. I didn’t really understand what was happening. My cousin and I played on the stairs until the wedding started, then I fidgeted while a pastor pronounced them husband and wife.

That wedding marked a new era in our lives. Dennis was a wonderful stepfather, and he raised me as his own daughter. When he said he would love, honor, and cherish my mother, he was also promising to love, honor and cherish me. And for 19 years, he did that.

Sadly, Dennis died six years ago. In the years following his death, I saw my mom grieve, heal and love again. And in January, she called me up to tell me she was going to get married. I knew that this event marked another new era. Because, while my mother still grieves the death of Dennis, I knew that she was ready to move on, to start a new life with her fiance, Tommy.

So, on May 18, I stood by my mother’s side as she married Tommy. They said their vows on my aunt and uncle’s porch. I wore a blue dress again. This time I squirmed and fidgeted a little less. And cried a little more.

Those vows are still powerful ones. And I am so happy I was able to see my mother again become one with the man she loves.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.