We spend our lives in pursuit of love and happiness. That means something different to each of us, but it is the feeling of joy that comes from finding the love and happiness that we seek. That is the beginning of the speech I wrote for my dad and Kay’s wedding.
My dad and Kay got married on the Monday before Thanksgiving. One hundred and sixty of their closest friends and family came to celebrate their happy day. We saw my siblings and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. We met Kay’s family for the first time.
Michael and my brothers took my dad out for lunch, beer, and football to celebrate the wedding. The girls took Kay out to lunch before getting our nails done. Lucas and Henry colored their hair for the special occasion.
The ceremony was performed at their temple by Rabbi Charlie. It was a beautiful ceremony followed by a bagel and lox reception with a three-piece band. My oldest brother, Sam, Emily, and I rapped, carrying on the family tradition. We danced the hora, ate cake, and caught up with people we had not seen in years.
Our Uncle Don organized a wedding gift of a personalized crossword puzzle made by his friend who has had puzzles published in the New York Times. This was the perfect gift because our dad loves to do crossword puzzles. Emily and I do the New York Times crossword puzzles with my dad over zoom.
The celebration continued through the week because many of our family members stayed until after Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgiving group was 35 people. We catered the meal, but Emily also made one of her famous charcuterie boards. Playing pickleball in my dad’s driveway was popular. I think we converted a few pickleball skeptics. We also got together with friends we met in Atlanta many years ago who live in North Carolina.
The week was full of love and happiness. We don’t know when we will see all of our family together again, but we have these memories to keep with us.
