Though it’s still a few days before Christmas, it seems appropriate to sit down and write a few lines in reflection about 2023- -a year with light as bright as can shine, as well as losses that dim the light with sadness and grief.
Five events definitely highlight the JOY…..
NASHVILLE IN APRIL
For the first time since Samuel and Cait moved to Nashville, I paid a visit in April at Easter. As I was Waiting for Samuel to pick me up at the airport, I got a call from him. I’ll never forget his voice, for he could hardly breathe. He and Cait had just learned that she was pregnant! Oh, goodness! The joy was uncontainable. Unfortunately, my back was really messed up, making it difficult to sightsee or celebrate. Samuel and I did make it down to Franklin, a sweet little town not far from Nashville, to enjoy an afternoon out.
THE OUTER BANKS IN MAY
The family took a trip to the Outer Banks in May in honor of my 70th birthday. Organized by the kids, our stay in Avon, NC, was a nostalgic return to the beach where we vacationed for years when the kids were young. Samuel and Cait and Alex and Eliza planned the trip, took care of details, and treated me and Myra to a grand time. Though I knew from my visit to Nashville a month earlier, the rest of the family learned of Cait’s pregnancy, adding immeasurable joy to our time there.
A WEDDING IN GERMANTOWN, NY
Back in May 2022, Samuel and I went to celebrate a gallery show of Norm Sartorius’s work in Philadelphia. One evening, while we were hanging out with Andrew Sartorius, and his fiancé, Tanya Hamm, they asked us to be in their wedding – me, as the officiant, and Samuel, as Andrew‘s best man. So on July 8, 2023, in sweltering heat, and surrounded by friends from all directions, I married Andrew and Tanya with Samuel standing by Andrew’s side as his best bud. Andrew and Samuel have known each other their entire lives, and his parents, Diane Bosley and Norm Sartorius are dear, dear friends. For over 40 years, we’ve shared our lives as chosen family. Love radiated between the wedding couple and everyone there. Marrying my “second son” was such an honor.
(NOTE: Ironically, Tanya and I share the exact same name, Tanya Lee.)
DOMINIC’S WEDDING
Due to circumstances beyond control, Alex’s son, Dominic was not able to attend Eliza and Alex’s wedding in November. To include him in the love and joy of their commitment, they organized a ceremony in October, which we called Dominic’s wedding. Under beautiful trees in October and with a brisk breeze blowing around us, we watched as Alex, Eliza, and Dominic stated their commitment to each other as a family. Dominic was so proud of his maroon suit, and he stole the day as he announced his commitment to his dad and Eliza. All of Alex’s family came down from Michigan, and we had a wonderfully special occasion in honor of their coming together as a family and in celebration of Dominic.
ELIZA & ALEX GET MARRIED - 11/18/2023
This day had been in the planning stage for two years. Not a stone was left uncovered in that process, so, when the day arrived, everyone involved had nothing to do except participate and celebrate. I know I am partial, but this wedding was one of the most beautiful I have ever attended. Eliza was radiantly happy and glowing, and Alex, stunningly handsome. They are blessed by a large group of wonderful people who serve as their chosen family in Cincinnati, and people from all directions came to Cincinnati to celebrate them. Held in The Monastery Event Center in Cincinnati, an old renovated Benedictine monastery which now serves as an event center, the wedding was love-packed and so special. The Mols and the Wilders get along famously and consider each other family. Samuel served as officiant, Eliza’s friend Kaelyn as attendant, and Ed, Alex’s brother, as best man. Fourteen or so special people from their group of friends represented their “court,” a group committed to travel along with them in their marriage, lending a hand and sharing love and guidance along the way.
WINTER LOU WILDER ARRIVES!!
12/14/2023 @ 9:46 AM
What can I say except that our little Winter Lou arrived safely and healthily. She weighed in at a healthy 7 lbs.5 oz and is a 19”long. Every one of us is smitten! This baby will not lack ever lack for love, for she is swaddled in the love of parents, an aunt and uncle, her great-aunt Myra, and Grandma T., as well as the celestial love of her Papa and Petie.
JOY, GREAT JOY!
Isn’t she adorable?
After spending time compiling all these joys, it’s hard to think about those things that brought some tears throughout the ears, so I'll leave that for another post. I am so grateful for this year’s blessings for my kids, sister, family, both chosen and blood, that my heart’s running over in rivers of love.
Thanks for taking the time to read the “ole’ blog!”
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