Shane & Michelle's Wedding

Last night, we went to Shane and Michelle's wedding. An intimate affair with tents in the backyard, sparkly lights and good friends. And while I know people are supposed to cry at weddings, I found myself tearing up all night long. The first was when I saw the look on Shane's face as Michelle walked down the aisle. Now at weddings, I typically find myself watching the groom for the first look, and while it rarely disappoints, on 20-somethings there is usually a trace of fear. But when you are 40-something and you know what it is like to have love and loss, the moment is even more poignant. Alongside the beauty and love, there is gratitude...because you know that finding someone you want to share your life with in a forever sort of way isn't something to be taken for granted. It doesn't come along as often as it does in the movies. It is a rare and precious find.

The next moment was when Troy asked Morgan to dance, then John escorted Dayne, and Shane was twirling Terra to something by Michael Buble. Later when Morgan and Terra sang "I'm everything I am because you love me" to their dad there were Kleenexes out everywhere.

But probably my favorite part of the night was having some of John's and my very best friends all together again. It's been a long time. Because the thing about couple friends is that it works better when there are couples. And as we talked and ate and danced and laughed, it was as if no time had passed at all.

Floyd and Robin sang in deep, rich voices to all the "martini music." Troy hid from the camera as Rhonda tried to make him smile. Tara made us laugh with her to-the-point observations. John tried to hide from the cameraman on the dance floor, while I danced as unselfconsciously as Elaine from Seinfeld. And best of all, Michelle not only fits, but adds something new.

So Shane and Michelle...enjoy your honeymoon. You have social obligations when you get back because I've deeply missed our crew, and after last night I remember exactly what I've been missing.

:::this is Robin and I completely botching our "facebook" pose for Floyd's iPhone because we couldn't stop laughing.::::