The dust has settled after a wonderfully hectic week. Auntie Margee (Liz’s sister) has a new last name, Coach Mike has now become Uncle Mike. We got to reconnect with existing family and spend great time with new family. We ate and drank too much. I reconfirmed my status as a baby whisperer. Liz laughed and smiled a lot.

To be honest, a week ago at this time I was totally cynical about the wedding weekend…I felt overwhelmed by the expectation for us to put on a happy face despite our current predicament. I dreaded what was going to be asked of Liz during the week of her most intense pain and discomfort. I was afraid she would excuse herself in a moment of fatigue or agony and miss the memorable moments of the weekend.

My fear was misguided – I forgot how much family matters. How spending quality time with the people you love can at least temporarily cast aside the tough times, and give you memories to recall when they get tough again. Seeing Liz smile and laugh surrounded by people who love her…I won’t soon forget it.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. O’Connell!

CCM