An Anniversary
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Forty-two years ago, my parents got married.
Fourteen years ago, Sister I and Brother-in-Law J1 got married.
For obvious reasons, I don’t remember the first of these weddings. But I do remember the second. I was seventeen and a mere week from heading off to Yale. I was so happy. So excited. So stuffed with anticipation. My sisters and I were bridesmaids. We wore big blue ball skirts and ivory tops. Five minutes before we were to process into the picturesque gardens, the skies opened up on all the lemonade-sipping guests. What ensued was an unpredicted and utterly perfect evening of celebration. My keenest recollection of that night was gathering with my four sisters and my parents at the center of the dance floor where we all threw our arms around each other and got down to “We Are Family.”
I remember when Sister I and BIL J1 so graciously presented my parents with an anniversary cake. I remember Mom cutting a slice and feeding it to Dad and how tuxedo-clad Dad, ever the goofball, bit her finger. The laughter that erupted was priceless.
I remember how beautiful my oldest sister looked that day. How her big dress bounced and twirled. How she looked at the handsome man who was her guy. That night? I am realizing today, on this happy and sad anniversary, that it meant more to me, young me, than I ever realized. It was a night on which generations commingled to celebrate and commemorate life and love, a night when Mother Nature intervened, soaking us all with sweet summer awareness of what really matters.
And here we are. Many years later. College happened. Life happened. Beloved creatures have arrived on the scene. A certain beloved creature has departed.
Today. I am full of love and reverence, my soul tinged with a bittersweet ache for what was and a profound affection and admiration for my predecessors in this good, if sometimes cruel, game of love.
Happy Anniversary, I and J! Love you guys.
Happy Anniversary, Mom. I know today won’t be easy, but I also hope it is laced with laughter and marked with memory. Do you remember when he bit your finger? Silly, silly man 
I love you. Today. Always.
How beautiful and tender. Happy Anniversaries to your family!
What a priceless memory. Hugs and prayers to you and your family on this day.
I feel your pain and I know your tears! Life can be so bitter-sweet. But what memories we have, and they keep us, in our lowest moments. Happy Anniversary to your family, from my family -x-
Hugs to you Aidan. Happy Anniversary to your families and may this day pass with laughter, peace and good wishes.
Happy anniversary to all! How lovely that I and J chose for their anniversary to coincide with your parents’. I wish the best for your family today, and that the sweet may outweigh the bitter.
I like to think of myself as a collector of experiences turned memories. The hardest part of that is that sometimes you don’t realize what is really going to stick with you until the moment is gone.
Wow, I just got a little teary! Happy, Happy day to all your family and I wish your mom the best!
Happy anniversary to all your family. I wish your mom comfort today and always.
Oh, Aidan. So real and so touching.
And We Are Family has been a must-play at each of my four sisters’ and my weddings. (I got all my sistas and me!)
Happy anniversary to everyone!! I wonder how much watching and participating in your sister’s wedding influenced your future wedding decision.
I will be celebrating my husband’s bday in NYC. The Film Forum is doing a retrospective of my Dad’s films so I’m so happy to celebrate in the city you love so much.
I miss NYC…It has been too long that I moved from there. Happy anniversary to all your family. I wish peace to you all.
I know your father is with you every breath you all take.