I Believe In Love…

As you all know, I have been divorced for nearly four years. It’s really hard to believe and even harder to believe how much has happened in those four years. Two grandsons, my own apartment, a big move south and return to my old room, three birthdays, nearly two years of pandemic life, a new job, and several little side “gigs” along the way.

When I was going through my divorce, from a good man who had given me a good life, I wondered if I would ever find love again. Don’t fall over…I haven’t found it yet! However, I do know it is possible. I’ve seen many go through divorce or death of spouses and new love was found. I’m not obsessed and I have a good life and I know I am loved by many…family AND amazing friends from all parts of my life! I’m happy and loved.

I also know that some people wait a very long time to find love and there is nothing better for me to witness than a long-awaited love that results in a marriage. That’s exactly what I will be doing this weekend.

Tomorrow morning, I’ll head to Cleveland to celebrate the marriage of one of my cousins who is in her ummmm….40s and she will be getting married for the first time! This cousin went to and excelled in college. She had wonderful opportunities, travel, had a successful small business and is now in job that she has had for awhile with the Cleveland Clinic.

With all of those things being said, as she continued with her career and her amazing life, she realized that she was missing something and that something for her was a child. As a single woman, she knew it wouldn’t be easy but she chose to go with an international adoption. After a long and expensive journey, filled with ups and downs, she visited China to pick up her baby boy. This adorable boy arrived shortly after her Mother had died and those first few weeks at home were bittersweet. Her son was not quite two if I remember correctly, and he has a skin condition but she is fortunate to have access to amazing medical care through the Cleveland Clinic. It was a HUGE transition for her. She tackled it with grace and strength, learning to be a Mom without her Mom by her side. I could say so much here but I won't embarrass her. Instead, I'll let everyone know that I admire her and know she has more strength than many.

Fast forward a few years and now, that son is seven and he will be the ring bearer at her wedding. Yes, she found love and soon, her son will have a Dad who loves his Mom almost as much as he does. I can’t wait to witness this event!

My sweet cousin has included me in some of the big decisions…her dress, shoes, and she has asked for my opinion. She is very close to her Dad and he has been the holder of the phone when we FaceTime during “fashion” shows, beaming every time. He couldn’t be happier! He loves her choice of mates!

You may remember I hosted a cocktail party for her in August and it was a treat to meet her future husband and his family and friends. I made a short toast welcoming him into our crazy family and with a happy heart, I told them that the best things in life are worth waiting for and that has been proven by them! I think he's ready for us...bless his heart!

My parents will be unable to make the trip, but my Mom wanted the bride to have something special from her. She sent some lace from her wedding dress, some 65 years old. My cousin has had this piece of lace sewn into the inside of her own dress, along with some of her own Mom’s dress. I get a little weepy just thinking about it! 

As I prepare to head north for a quick trip, I look forward to supporting the bride and her entourage as needed. I look forward to celebrating a Nuptial Mass followed by “Cocktails at the Carousel” prior to the evening of dining and dancing at The Cleveland Zoo. I look forward to being in a large space full of so much love…because I do believe in love!! 

Happy Wedding Weekend…Laura & Jeff and a very proud Josh!