Where is Paradise? To some, paradise is a place like Kuai, Hawaii, or even a place like Venice, Italy. To others, Paradise can be identified by the warm embrace of the one you love. Today, I'm fortunate to see the coming together of two families in Islamorada, Florida. This place can certainly live up to the moniker of Paradise.
Arriving in "paradise," or Islamorada, came by way of several flights for me. My first flight required an early takeoff from Reno to Denver, with a short layover in the mythical, almost haunted, airport. My second flight took off from Denver and landed in Tampa. This flight was initially not on the flight map but was changed 30 days before my trip. My final flight was a quick jump to Fort Lauderdale. Florida, a state that I have never been to, certainly piqued my interest from the sky. The low clouds hovering over the state made me recognize how humid this state would be. The most humid place I had been to at this point was Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, in December of 2021. The humidity in Florida, to this point, is bearable, if not welcomed in late October.
But back to the point...
I have officiated two other weddings in my life: one for my best friend and his wife, and another for a friend and his wife. This time, it's another important one: the mother of my godchildren and her amazing fiancé. These two have had their ups and their downs. I've witnessed the good, the bad, and the amazing. The bad was a short time when each of them needed to find out if this relationship was the one. They certainly found that each of them is much better when with each other than without. Certainly, I agree with their findings.
I'm privileged this day to witness and officiate the union of my two friends. They are two amazing parents of two wonderful children who are sharing a life unselfishly with one another. Their example of a relationship will extend past the next generation as they teach their children to love wholly and unconditionally. Their union brings together two families of various backgrounds who get to share their love with them.
To my friends, Nicole and Jeremy, I'm proud you chose me to be the person with you at the altar to bring you both together. To your children, I'm proud as your godfather to see that you have such great examples of parents and people who love with all of their heart, lead with their character, and leave no expense when acting with integrity.
Today, from Paradise, I'm excited that you each will have the opportunity to have "paradise" every single day of the rest of your lives. I wish you both blessings and a fruitful relationship.
- Brian
