“How was your son’s wedding?” someone asks, and Tim and I exchange glances, hoping the other can supply adequate words. We try to describe the beauty, the goodness, and the joy of the celebration, but our words fall short for all of what our hearts are holding.
How can we describe the breathtaking beauty of Colorado—a liminal space where our own rescue and restoration began nearly two decades ago? Now, in a fantastical full circle, our son Seth, who lives there, got married in this, our “happy place.” Over the wedding weekend, the wonder of it continually caught my notice—the radiant sunrise illuminating the sky above Garden of the Gods; a stately deer ambling past my chair as I sat outside, sipping my coffee; the cascading waters of Seven Falls; the light reflecting off the snowy top of Pikes Peak; the thin air reminding me that this is a thin space where heaven meets earth.
We are thankful for the extravagant goodness of God.
How can we explain the profound gift of having friends fly across the country to join us for a long wedding weekend? These friends booked plane tickets and Airbnbs and took vacation days; then, they asked how they could help. They hosted a bridal shower, catered a wedding weekend kick-off dinner, and joined us on the dance floor. (Yes, when you’re feeling silly on the dance floor, it’s helpful to have friends cutting the rug alongside you with equal enthusiasm.) These friends supported us through the celebration with their playfulness, prayers, and steadfast presence.
We are thankful for the faithfulness of good friends.
How can we recount the heartfelt toasts given by the wedding party at the rehearsal dinner? Words that spoke of shared history and deep friendship, great admiration and true affection. Seth and Elizabeth’s nearest and dearest so beautifully honored them, and it was a profound blessing for us, Mom and Dad, to witness. The evening also held a special moment for each of us to offer our own words of blessing to the happy couple. Penning mine invited me into the holy practice of remembering, and as I shared my toast, I looked upon my son, seeing him at each age and every stage and marveling at the man he’s become!
We are thankful for the gift of meaningful relationships.
How can we convey our pride in him, our first-born son? Our delight in his bride? Our joy in their union? Theirs is a tale of redemption that provokes our awe and gratitude. We had long held hope for such a companion for Seth, and then we eagerly observed as their love story unfolded—classmates become friends become sweethearts become husband-and-wife. For us, the culmination of our witness was watching their first dance, revealing their stunning mutuality, their shared joy, their embodied delight. Their relationship is a realization of our hope beyond what we could have asked or imagined.
We are thankful for the joy of hope fulfilled.
How can we describe their wedding day? The rustic beauty of the setting, the playfulness of the wedding party, the sight of friends and family gathered, the heartfelt words spoken by the officiant—their dear friend, the tender moments between bride and groom. Each detail was planned with intentionality by Seth and Elizabeth, from the worship songs to the flowers, from the order of the service to the blessings offered by fathers and mentors, from the reception’s “game hour” to the DJ’s playlist. We marveled at these two young people who worked in such harmony as they imagined and planned their wedding. Their takeaway word to describe the day? “Perfect.”
We are thankful for the realization of their dream.
How can we evoke the celebratory spirit of the reception with mere words? Seth described it as “the biggest party we’ll ever throw,” and I think his desire was met, as friends and family honored them with their lively, joyful presence. Seth greeted them with words of welcome and affection, and then, after a shared feast, Reed—Seth’s best man and brother—offered his own tender toast, bringing a table of groomsmen to tears. Tim and I sat spellbound as we watched one son beautifully bless the other. And then, the dancing—oh, the dancing! First, father and daughter; next, mother and son; then, bride and groom; and finally, a dance floor filled with the spirited guests. We danced until the moment it was finally time to send the bride and groom on their way!
We are thankful for the rare opportunity for wholehearted celebration.
How can we explain how God has transformed so much in us and our family, which was evident throughout the wedding weekend? We have learned to show up wholeheartedly; to honor one another with our time, affection, and words; to create meaningful rituals to mark significant moments; to celebrate one another lovingly, lavishly, and intentionally; and to humbly allow others to come alongside us to offer care or help. Perhaps only Tim and I can comprehend the magnitude, the miracle, the wonder of this change; regardless, we fall to our knees in gratitude on behalf of our family both now and to come.
We are thankful for the great and glorious hope of redemption.
“How was your son’s wedding?” someone asks.
“Transcendent,” we reply in unison, looking at one another with a knowing and grateful gaze.
Weekly Editor
Susan Tucker is a lifelong lover of story, and with curiosity and openness, she often explores in her writing the tension that life holds. A former English teacher, Susan loves meaningful use of language, especially when used to stir the soul and whet one’s appetite for more truth, goodness, and beauty. Compelled by a burgeoning interest in trauma recovery, she pursued training at The Allender Center, completing the Certificate in Narrative Focused Trauma Care, Level I and Level 2. Susan and Tim, her husband of 30 years, are the parents of two sons, now young adults, and are adjusting to a nest that, while different, is far from empty.nbsp
Beautifully told. I felt joy for your son, his bride, and those who were there to share this special day.
Perfect!
Susan! Thank you for casting a vision for and embodying the hope and change that can come in a family. You’ve powerfully named what I desire to cultivate in my family, too, but didn’t yet have words for: ”to show up wholeheartedly; to honor one another with our time, affection, and words; to create meaningful rituals to mark significant moments; to celebrate one another lovingly, lavishly, and intentionally; and to humbly allow others to come alongside us to offer care or help.” Thank you for your loving service to each one of us through Red Tent. My children will thank you, too, one day !