As 2010 winds down to its final hours, my husband and I are celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary by taking a short trip packed with joy and hope: We are walking our oldest child, Rebecca, down the aisle to be wed to the love of her life, Hunter.
On Your Wedding
Casual first glances and hellos
that sound like ordinary greetings.
These sparks become entertaining lore
in storied accounts of your meeting.
Gradually new emotions stir.
You realize.... Can’t escape love’s calling.
Matchsticks striking flint—passions ignite.
into arms of true love you’re falling.
Beating of pounding hearts: the question.
Answers through tears and visage glowing.
A kiss, a promise for tomorrow—
currency of love for your betrothing.
Rings and vows pass in holy exchange,
Outstretched hands guide the sacred blessing.
Witness the miracle: Two, now one.
To life! Rejoice! Today's your wedding.
Wendy S. Harpham
December 30, 2010
She's beautiful, just as I'm sure her mother was. Best wishes to the bride and groom, and may you have a wonderful day.
Posted by: Lisa | December 31, 2010 at 03:02 AM
Looks gorgeous in wedding dress. Nice blog...
Posted by: Green Caterers Boston | December 31, 2010 at 03:40 AM
A beautiful poem and wishes for a very special day of anniversarys, both repeated and now started. Rejoice, indeed, for so much !! Congratulations and best wishes to all. Kirk
Posted by: Kirk Hartley | December 31, 2010 at 06:42 AM
Congratulations to the happy couple and to the proud parents! What a wonderful feeling to celebrate the joy and hope of our children when they meet "the love of their life".
She's just beautiful!
Posted by: kate | December 31, 2010 at 08:24 AM
Dr. Harpham:
Congratulations to you and the family. What a testament! Thanks for sharing.
At Preby in Dallas, I wonder if this is the child you handed to my dad to hold while you checked my mom. I remember them telling me.
Posted by: Nancy Priolo | December 31, 2010 at 09:26 AM
Congratulations on the wedding of your daughter and to 31 years of marriage!
Thank you for the gift of "On Healthy Survivorship". I enjoy your writings on a personal and a professional level.
I frequently share your informational and insightful posts with fellow staff members at Angel Foundation and with our families participating in the Facing Cancer Together program.
May 2011 bring continued joy and health for you and your family.
Posted by: Janice Haines | December 31, 2010 at 09:35 AM
Wedding Haiku
Beautiful wedding
beautiful bride beautiful
Mother-of-Bride
Love
Debby
Posted by: Debby | December 31, 2010 at 10:01 AM
Wendy,
She is stunning. Best wishes to her and her new hubby! Looing forward to lots of photos!!
Brenda
Posted by: brenda | December 31, 2010 at 02:57 PM
What a sweet way to end the year and start a new one.
Posted by: Finn | December 31, 2010 at 04:58 PM
It was a beautiful night with beautiful people there in support of an even more beautiful family.
Posted by: Mickey | January 01, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Thanks for all the good wishes.
Nancy: Wow, what a memory to stir up in my mind. YES, this young woman was the sweet baby that was held by your father while I checked on your mother many years ago. Thanks for reminding me.
Life is good.
with joy and hope, Wendy
Posted by: Wendy S. Harpham, M.D. | January 01, 2011 at 08:16 PM
Mazel tov on your wedding anniversary! (December 31 would have been my parents' 69th anniversary; Mom is still around to remember, but Dad has been gone since 1999.) Have a wonderful trip with your husband.
Your daughter is gorgeous in the wedding photo you posted. May she have much love, health, and happiness.
Happy, Healthy New Year!
Roz
Posted by: Roz | January 02, 2011 at 09:09 AM
I decided to finally read some magazines that I have saved from years gone by and when I could not sleep this evening 1/2/11, I picked up a CURE magazine from 2006. I am a 11 yr. breast cancer survivor and read your article about you and your families' experience. I was curious about "where are they now" and immediately googled your name. How happy I am for all of you as I saw the enchanting picture of your daughter after just having read her closing comment that said,"Will she see me get married." I felt compelled to share the timing of all this and to also tell you that my husband and I had just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary on December 31st.
Posted by: Peggie Munson | January 02, 2011 at 09:07 PM
Dear Peggie,
What incredible timing! I'd forgotten about that article -- and quote.
Believe me: The modern miracle that I was there was not lost on anyone in attendance. Some of the guests had helped out our family in the early 1990s, when things were rough and my long-term prognosis poor. Everyone felt a sense of a hope fulfilled.
Happy New Year!
With joy and hope, Wendy
Posted by: Wendy S. Harpham, M.D. | January 03, 2011 at 05:50 AM
My mother and I were patients of yours "back in the day" and I have followed you throughout the years (I've even sent your books as gifts to friends in need). I remember you treating me while you were pregnant with each of your children and the crib you kept in the other part of the office. Congratulations! Annette
Posted by: Annette Paulsen | January 03, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Annette,
Thank you for your wishes and for reconnecting. Can you believe the babies are getting married?
I hope all is well by you. Feel free to email me an update.
With joy and hope, Wendy
Posted by: Wendy S. Harpham, M.D. | January 03, 2011 at 12:02 PM
A beautiful bride, congratulations to you all! The fact that you could be there to see the special day after fighting this disease for so long, gives the rest of us hope. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Deb Konrad | January 03, 2011 at 02:39 PM
Wendy,
A beautiful celebration!!
Mazel Tov.
Shera Dubitsky
Posted by: Shera Dubitsky | January 04, 2011 at 09:36 AM