North Woods River Runner: A Year Later - Still Father Of The Bride

Somehow 365 days have come and gone since our daughter’s wedding. Wasn’t it just yesterday that our family was rooted as four, buried in the busyness of life? A half decade ago this month, our son Todd and Emeris were married, and our family grew to five. And then last year on this day our daughter Jodi married David to make us six strong. I guess our family has become tied to December; the month of the Cold Moon. Tomorrow marks the 36th wedding anniversary for Cindy and me as well. Time flies, and as I've mentioned before, I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about that!

So it’s been exactly one year since Jodi and David’s wedding. That weekend was a highlight reel of emotions and memories. The time spent with our families prior to, throughout, and afterwards continues to be talked about as a wonderful experience. Friends joined alongside our families and completed the audience in attendance within a beautiful venue. After a full morning of preparation, Cindy and I ushered Jodi down the aisle together. The ceremony was led by one of our good friends who had known Jodi since she was a toddler. It made the day extra special.

While I remember being pretty emotional throughout my son’s wedding, I found myself simply soaking everything in during Jodi’s. I had already shed a flood of tears when I had my moment alone with her as the father of the bride. It’s when all the memories of her growing up were funneled into one shining and sentimental moment.

Following the ceremony, and prior to the meal and reception, I had a speech to make as Jodi’s Dad. I was nervous of course, but I was prepared; having written out ahead of time what I wanted to say so I could trust the process and enjoy the moment. It went a little like this:

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Welcome Family & Friends,

We are truly honored that you have been able to join us today and celebrate the marriage of Jodi & David.

While growing up at home, Cindy and I could see Jodi’s zest for life; displayed in her artistic creativity, passion for helping others, and feistiness to forge ahead through tough times.

Together with our son Todd, the four of us shared family memories at school & sporting events, vacations to Wisconsin, Georgia, and Michigan, as well as simply spending time together; repeating those activities helped solidify them into traditions and something to look forward to each time.

Once Jodi attended college, it was evident that she wanted to pursue a career that involved helping and serving others. The pathway to that career took a few turns, but upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree, she wholeheartedly researched where she could earn her master’s degree in social work. She narrowed her options to three, waited, and was accepted to her first choice at Baylor University in Waco, Texas… a mere 1,032.18 miles away. It might as well have been a million miles for someone who typically loved being near home, but Jodi was eager for the challenge and starting something both fresh and new.

The opportunity in Texas not only brought Jodi to a new location, the move also introduced her to colleagues, friends, and a world of social work that allowed her to find a special niche where she felt she could make a difference.

Once she felt centered in school, Jodi became interested in a guy who seemed to share common interests. Who knew that this young man lived in the same apartment complex; just below and across the street from where Jodi and her roommates lived? Enter David! After a few dates, Jodi told Cindy and I about him:

Apparently he’s a teacher? Hmmm, so you’re saying he’s a team player, knows how to work hard, and has a passion to motivate others? Check!

Apparently he enjoys running? Hmmm, so you’re saying he is self motivated, enjoys the process of training & pushing himself, and is pretty darn fast? Check!

Apparently he’s from Michigan? Wait, he’s from the “Great Lake State” but he’s living in the heart of Texas? Hmmm, so you’re saying he’s a Michigander, has been Up North in God’s Country numerous times, and attended Michigan State University? Hmmm… Oh, okay - Check!

Over the last two years, and as we’ve gotten to know him, Cindy and I can see what has brought Jodi and David together. They have similar interests, they care about each other, they are supportive of each other’s dreams, and in the time that they have been a couple, they have already encouraged each other through difficult circumstances. It sounds like a stable foundation for love and marriage.

Thank you Tom and Jen Gerada for the characteristic traits that you helped to build and establish in David.

With these brief thoughts and insights, and on behalf of our two families, we again want to say, “Thank you” to each and every person here and welcome you to both celebrate and enjoy this evening with David and Jodi.

Thank You-

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Following the speech, David’s Mom shared a few words on behalf of their family. The rest of the evening was a blur of activities that included scrumptious food, meaningful conversations, wild dancing, and memorable pictures.

Cindy and I were filled with joy throughout; feeling both blessed and loved at Jodi and David’s wedding. Our family, once a foundation of four, had respectively grown to six; we have been blessed indeed! As the Father of the Bride, I couldn’t be more proud.

See you along The Way…