Happy Birthday Bernie

There are many "highlights" in our lives. I can reflect and come up with so many. I think, though that my accomplishments and highlights in my life, pale, and we take much pride in our children and their accomplishments. Their accomplishments are a reflection of how well we have done as parents, and we take greater pride in those. 

I have always used as a guideline in my life, a reference to my "pond" .... whether it was placid, or with ripples or in some cases, waves. I have even had some instances where the pond was dry, no water at all.

Presently, my pond is very calm, few to no, ripples. Our power is back on after a few day absence, my wife's health seems to be improving, I am feeling pretty well, so life is good.

One of the contributing factors to my placid pond, can be attributed to my son, Brad, an his decision a few years ago, to marry Bernie Colon, now, proudly, Bernie Dooley. We had not met her prior to the wedding, but upon meeting her, we felt we had known her forever. She was never a stranger to us, and another piece of life's puzzle fell in to place, Brad was happily married.

Today is Bernie's birthday, July 5, and we wish her nothing but the best. In some respects, she was the last piece of my life's puzzle, to be placed in to the puzzle. Today, my pond has no ripples.

Happy Birthday Bernie .................

The Wedding - Brad and Bernie

I have had good days in my life, some good times, some events  that stand out, but last weekend, the wedding of Brad Dooley and Bernie Colon, is very high in the top ten list. I cannot imagine a wedding, or any event for that matter, that was so perfect.

Sure, I was partial, my young son, getting married, but I just cannot imagine anything going off so perfectly.

The weather was great, not too hot, and a nice breeze.

The Place, The Would, in Highland, New York.

The Setting, an outside, covered area, was originally a boccie ball court, flooring put down, decorated impeccably.

The Minister, Arlene, a Methodist, with a sense of humor, who had the infinite ability to make us smile, at the right time, and be serious, when it was called for. She involved the families and the audience in the wedding, not just the bride and groom. And then, at just the right appropriate moment, pulled out her guitar and sang. She was not restricted by accepted norms, and her interpretation was extraordinary. I wish I lived in New York, I would attend her church.

The Best Man, long story. My son, Brad, did not grow up with Debra as a sister. He met her later on in life, briefly, but apparently, the blood line merged them together. Brad decided many years ago to leave his home in Ohio and move to New York, and spend time with his new found sister. Brad selected her, to give him away. Dad swelled with pride at the decision. Actually, Dad cried when he heard of the decision.

The Bride, looked lovely and they maintained some old traditions, which were nice. Bernie looked lovely. It was apparent that Bernie and Brad were in love, and that the union of the two came about after some thorough soul searching and thought. Bernie was carrying a heavy family load, Brad was aware of it, and chose to accept the responsibility. I am so proud of my Son, he has truly become, a Man.

The entire day was perfect. The Dooley family also fell in love with the Colon family and her relatives, and I think they felt the same way.

It was a perfect wedding, in all respects, from start to finish.

A Toast, please, to the couple, for a long life, good health and  prosperity.

Our world of "loved ones"' has been greatly expanded.

What a Day this has been ....

Brad Dooley is married, Bernie is now Bernie Dooley, what a great addition to the family. It was a perfect day at The Would, in Highland, New York.

You can't imagine a more perfect setting for a marriage ceremony.

Right now, it is almost midnight, I am exhausted, and will write more tomorrow and in days to follow.

You'll hear some about Gil, Gail, the minister, Debra Dooley, Dean Dooley, Zach and Ash, and many more. I will also, because of public demand, get a photograph, and tell the story about the "ring," everyone asked about it. I didn't want it to overshadow the ceremony, so I purposely did not wear it to the ceremony.

The food was superb, the surroundings, impeccable, the Colon family, unsurpassed, It was a glorious day. Be sure to check back in the  next few days, fotos that you won't want to miss, and more information about the wedding.

It is late, I am sitting on the patio of our motel, beautiful out here, getting a little chilly. Later