BABY GETS HITCHED

Nearly twenty-five years ago Teresa and I welcomed a new addition to our little family.  He was cute and cuddly and all the other kids were so excited to have him with us.  Despite the fact that he was late and disturbed our holiday celebrations, we have grown to love him as our little “Christmas Baby.”

Fast forward to today!!  Joel is now a grown man and has decided it is time to ‘tie-the-knot’ with a BEAUTIFUL young lady, Paula Jean Campbell.  He is so excited and we are pleased that he has chosen so well in this most important decision of life. 

Joel and Paula on an excursion

  

This is a contemplative time for me (and probably Teresa).  We have been ‘empty-nesters’ for some time but we are now on the path to becoming parents of completely independent children.  Each has made the leap that begins their individual family life and, in their own way, they have indicated that it is time for Mom and Dad to let go. 

It is what we are here on earth to do… family is our major purpose in life.  The work of parenting and 'family making' cannot be done effectively with too much shadow leadership.  Like our Heavenly Father, we have to allow others to learn and grow by doing the hard things.

But it is sure difficult to release what has been such a wonderful experience.

We miss having little ones in our home (OK, we get the grandkids some but that’s not quite the same).  It is a difficult realization that we are now just background noise to our children as they move forward, raising up the next generation.  There is no more ‘Primary Responsibility’ for us in the welfare of the new little ones.

Anyways, back to Joel.

Don't they look happy!!

Paula and Joel are being married next week on the 20^th and we couldn’t be happier.  It is a bit unusual to have another Paula but we are working on how to address that issue (PJ, Paula Jr., Joel’s Paula?).  It is such a wonderful dilemma to have.   

Paula's wedding picture

I am most impressed that Joel’s siblings have been extremely supportive of everything that needs to be done.  Our children have grown into such good friends and that brings us great joy.  I credit their mother and her immense efforts to keep us all connected.  She is truly the glue that holds us all together.  Thanks Teresa.

As I review this post, I realize that I am all over the place – please make allowances for an excited and feeble dad.  

Thanks.

I have included a few pictures of the happy couple and hope that you will celebrate with us and let them know how much you love them.