Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Back in the homeschool classroom: The wedding ... letting go

 Rehearsal for last weekend's wedding with the Appalachian Mountains in the background.

Rehearsal dinner as the sun set behind the mountains.

Homeschool parents spend their lives helping their children develop and grow their wings to stand as strong, independent adults. Saturday I had to let go as SWAC Daughter was married during a beautiful ceremony overlooking the mountains of western Virginia.

It was a bittersweet experience -- joy that she had found a soul mate tinged with sadness that this part of my life's journey was over, and then more joy at the young man who has now become a part of our family.

The event was celebrated with the closest family and friends from both families. The religious ceremony reminded of the solemness of marriage, the commitment of man and wife for a future built together, and the love that holds it together.

Afterward, we all celebrated with dinner and dancing on the deck until long after the sun sank behind the Appalachians. The homeschool community was well represented as was the groom's private high school with childhood and college friends coming together to join in the joyous occasion.

We are thankful for the wonderful weather, the beautiful setting in God's sanctuary, the closeness of family and friends, and the addition of such a nice young man into our family.

And with this, our nest is empty. The cycle of life continues. We have done our work as parents, teaching and mentoring our children to grow into responsible adults and take their places in the world. We were successful in helping them build solid foundations while growing their wings and so now, with love for SWAC Daughter and our new son-in-law, it is time to let them go to build their own nest....

They sealed their vows with a kiss as seen from this "Mom Cam" ... photo taken by Mother-of-the-Bride from the front row during the ceremony. What? You thought I was going to leave my camera behind? LOL.

 First dance as husband and wife while friends watch.



 Daughter dances with dad ...
 ... and then friends cut loose on the dance floor.
 Brother and sister.


Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
September 15, 2012

2 comments:

Cindi said...

oh Congratulations! Last year my oldest hs was married to another hs. This year they had their first child. We pray they will continue the tradition. One down, two to go for me.

Lynn R. Mitchell said...

Thanks, Cindi ... and congratulations on becoming a grandmother! The cycle of life continues....