finding {love} at 80

this past weekend brad and i along with my family (mom + dad + jaime + dan + nonnie) headed to vegas to celebrate my grandma's marriage.  a marriage we were all a little confused about.  

 

my grandparents were married for over 50 years.  they had one child.  my dad.  and lived a modest life of god and entrepreneurship (long before entrepreneurs were a trend).  when my grandpa passed, suddenly and without warning.  a new life was thrust upon my grandma.  one of anger and sorrow.  loneliness and pain. 

a heartache so powerful she lost herself. 

 

 

 

she found herself again, years later... she met john.  a lovely man that brought back her smiles and will to live.  she loved john. and we loved him to.  he was little and sweet and so different from my grandpa.  when john passed suddenly and without warning my grandma once again lost herself.  she was mad and sad all over again.  it was painful to watch. and impossible to be around. 

she was lonely and hurt.

 

 

she never gave up and never stopped trying.  she danced and busied herself. 
and a few years later she met marlan. 

 

marlan, quite opposite of her past relationships seemed grumpy and thrifty.  not at all like my gma.  she rushed to have him move in.  to be by her side.  she very quickly wanted to marry him.  a man whom himself had lost his wife of over 50 years.  a man who has 4 children of his own. 

 

soon there would be a wedding. a wedding we weren't quite so sure about.  there were lots of questions without answers. but until i've walked in their shoes and felt how they feel those questions didn't need answers.  the need for security and companionship is only human no matter what the age.  maybe even more necessary the older you are.  the less occupied you are. 

when you realize how short life really is. 

 

 

they were married in a small ceremony at "the quad" a "shotgun wedding" as my grandma called it.

 

 

 we headed to a reception dinner after the ceremony. where both families united. my grandma and marlan were glowing. so happy. smiles from ear to ear. kissing and hugging and more kissing.

 

so happy.

 

 

I always thought marriage was for when you were ready to start a family. settle down... have kids.  but i feel like i really had it wrong.  marriage is for love.  knowing that he will be with you always.  when you dont have children.  when you don't know what course life will lead you on. knowing you will wake up everyday with someone by your side.  a team mate in life.  kids will come and go.  your husband will be there always.   i'm proud of my grandma.  sticking out the heartache and never giving up on love.  so at 80 she is married.  again.  happy.  again.  and for that i'm beyond thankful. 

 

 

a few other weekend highlights...