When our youngest daughter Megan went to college, Rob and I found ourselves in Empty Nester mode. We decided to downsize a bit and move into an apartment. We chose a building in Clarendon, VA and moved in Nov/Dec, 2014. As we moved in, we met a young couple who were also in transition. The couple, Cristin and Javier, would be living in the same hall as us.
Soon after Cristin and Javier got settled, they brought home a miniature schnauzer puppy named Lola. Their Lola and our Penny Lane and Annie Belle sort of brought us together as friends. We would pass in the hall and the girls would bark and sniff and run around wildly. It was a great source of entertainment and we got to know one another during these meetings.
We went from random in the hall dog meetings to dinners, birthdays, 4th of July celebrations, and just because get togethers. We each had busy lives but we got together when we could and kept one another up to date on happenings.
Rob and I are pretty much a generation older than Cristin and Javier but we always enjoyed getting together. To me, they were a lovely young couple who seemed very much in love. Their match seemed near perfect and they had the ingredients of a strong, happy relationship. They were responsible, kind, respectful and considerate. They complemented one another.
LOVELY, LOVELY COUPLE
When Cristin and Javier got engaged, we were so happy for them. We were invited to the wedding and we made arrangements to travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the celebration.
LOLA
WASHINGTON DC ROCK N ROLL HALF
Before we knew it, the wedding weekend was upon us and we found ourselves in San Juan. The rehearsal dinner was the evening of our arrival and we had a wonderful time meeting Cristin and Javier's friends and family.
The older I get, the more special weddings become. Weddings are a symbol of love and commitment. A wedding is the tie that binds those who are in love. They have chosen to take that love and join together forever.
The ceremony was beautiful. The bride and groom were glowing and their joy was contagious.
LOLA IN HER WEDDING BEST
JAVIER AND HIS MOTHER LOURDES
MY NEW BUDDY MARCO
RECEPTION FUN
The wedding ceremony was in Spanish.
I do not speak Spanish but it does not matter. I knew why we were there and what was going on.
Love does not have a language. Love does not have a color or gender or religion. Love cannot be dictated by the righteous nor should it be squandered by the careless.
Love is Love
So...Cristin and Javier.....here's to you and your future. Younger couples such as yourself give me hope for our tomorrows. Marriage is a good thing. The hard times make the good times better.
May you happily spend the rest of your lives together.
Love is Love
Another great day in this thing we call life.
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