Congratulations Are In Order!

The bride's sister took this great photo

This weekend, I had the honor of attending the wedding of a beautiful couple. The blushing bride was my "Big Sis" in Pi Phi, and was an amazing friend and mentor to me as I grew through times good and bad. Needless to say, I admire her in many ways.The dashing groom proudly sported his Marine colors, and makes a perfect match for Julia.

Julia is one of the most beautiful souls I've ever met. She constantly amazes me with her grace, patience and commitment to her faith. These qualities, of course, are paradoxical with the intensity with which she supports the Bears, and she can certainly make her displeasure known when they are losing.

I haven't known Matt long, and I can't say that I have had a chance to really get to know him, but Julia has told me enough about him that I feel quite comfortable saying that he is perfect for her. Just in the way they interact, anyone can see how much joy he brings her (and she, him), and how comfortable they are together. They share laughter easily, but naturally just click on the more serious matters in life.

Their ceremony was solemn, personal, and so heartfelt. Similarly, the reception was romantic, yet fun. I, of course, had no shortage of tears during both.

During the reception, arguably one of the most memorable moments occurred during the traditional father-daughter dance. I was seated with a group of other former Pi Phis who had made the trip. As the music began and the bride joined her father on the dance floor, our entire group nearly instantaneously burst into tears. We all began to look around the table and noticed that each of us was crying (minus one Pi Phi's husband, who had the misfortune of being the only male seated at our table), and giggled a little.

Then came the moment that defined the reception for us. As the father-daughter dance ended, the bride took the microphone and asked her dad to return to the dance floor. She explained that she had one more song to dance with him since she had long regretted not dancing with him during a high school dance (I missed the explanation here, but I'm guessing he volunteered to chaperon the dance). The song "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks came through the speakers, only this time, our table was rendered near inconsolable. We cried, wiped our tears, and cried again, but noticed again that everyone at our table was doing so. This inspired a fit of laughter on all accounts, but the laughter didn't stop the tears.  In case anyone at the reception had been wondering where the "sorority table" was, there was no longer any question. The server looked bewildered with a side of concerned when he spoke to the next table and pointed to us, saying, "that whole table is laughing and crying...I don't know what to do!"

I have heard of people laughing and crying at the same time, but I never actually thought it could happen. I'm sure my brain was incredibly confused as to the proper response to such emotional contradiction. Leave it to Julia to show me anything is possible!

So here's to a beautiful wedding, an inspiring couple, and a very happy, blessed married life together. Congratulations, Matt and Julia!

On Angels' Wings

Left to right: Lauren, Andy, and me on graduation day

Today my thoughts are with a friend of mine named Andy. I've never been a huge fan of all the fighting going on in the world (don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of America), but I also know that sometimes it's a necessary evil to keep people safe. The sacrifices our troops make are incredible, selfless, and awe-inspiring.

After meeting Andy a few years ago in college in our sorority, I gained a whole new respect for what they go through. She may not know how much I look up to her and how much I have learned from her, but I sincerely hope I get the chance to tell her.

In early December, Andy was set to interview for flight school (she's in the army) with the hope of getting her wings. Our sorority, Pi Beta Phi, is The House of Angels. In my opinion, Andy has always had a set of wings. Her flight was leaving from Detroit in the early morning hours, and it meant she was leaving before the sun was up. I got up early to wish her goodbye, and it was then that I truly gained an all new respect for her. Here was a young woman who had worked harder than anyone I knew to finish her schooling (she was leaving about 2 weeks before the end of the semester) and had already delayed college when she joined and was deployed. She was about to give up a VP position in our sorority, for none other than philanthropy. Fitting that she gives so much for her country, but then gives a little more for her community. She did so with a smile, grace, and serenity that I only hope to reflect in my own life.

Soon, she'll be starting a 21-day training program that will take her incredible strength and determination to get through. I know she can do it.

Today, I encourage all of you reading this to think of someone who serves our country and send up a little prayer for them or take a moment to think of what they must be experiencing. Whether you support the war or not, support the men and women who are making sacrifices every day so that you can live in the land of the free, because of the brave.

Oh, and Andy, if you happen to read this, good luck to you, and as you train for your wings, remember, in our eyes, you already have them!