Armed with face masks, sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer, Tom and I braved the airport on Tuesday morning. After a brief stop in Dallas, we arrived in Fort Lauderdale that evening. From there, it was a two-hour drive to Marco Island--located in the Gulf of Mexico off southwest Florida. I was eager to meet my parents and Anna and Alex at the hotel. It was difficult to maintain physical distance given the trying circumstances of the past few months, and the fact that this was our first reunion since Christmas!
Wednesday was wedding day! I joined Mom and Anna at Rita's rental house, helping her and her friends get ready. That afternoon, Rita married Patrick at a Catholic church under the grace of Patrick's uncle. During the homily, he explained that their wedding date fell on John the Baptist's birthday. Starting now, the days gradually shorten until Jesus's birthday (in exactly six months), at which point they begin to lengthen. In this way we may conceptualize selfless love; decreasing yourself so that your partner and your relationship together may increase.
After the ceremony, the small procession celebrated at the waterside venue, Snook Inn.
Thursday was spent lounging at the beach and pool. Florida in June is hot and humid--so much so that cooling off in the water is not even refreshing!
Wishing Rita and Patrick a lifetime of love and adventure.
