My mother-in-law got married Saturday to a man she's known since middle school who lost his wife shortly before Jim passed away. We went down for the wedding, of course, and it was a really nice day. She's obviously very happy, and as Jason said, "Anyone who's had to deal with what she's been through for the last 2 years deserves happiness."
There will be pics to come.
But I had to tell a quick story about Jack.
You may remember that Jack was the one at Jim's funeral who sobbed and hugged him one last time at the end of the service.
When he found out Gran was getting married, he cried at first and said it made him miss Jimpa. We told him that it's ok to miss Jimpa, and that Kenney isn't replacing Jimpa. Then he worried that we would have to change our last name.
"Dad, if Gran has a new last name and you have a step-dad, does that mean we have to change our last name? Will we not be McGlamerys anymore?"
Jason reassured him that we would stay the family that we've always been.
At dinner Thursday night, Jack said, "I want to pray with Gran before her wedding."
We were shocked. Jack never prays out loud. We always ask if anyone wants to bless the food. The girls always fight for the chance to pray. Jack just sits quietly. So this was very out-of-nowhere for him.
Saturday Jack started to panic that he wouldn't have a chance to pray with Gran before she got married. We hadn't reminded him or pushed it because we didn't think he was serious when he mentioned it at dinner.
Jason asked Paulette if Jack could pray with her when she was ready to go. So when she was dressed and ready to go to the church, she went up to Jack and asked, "Jack, did you want to talk to me?"
He took her by the hand and led her back to a room where it was quiet and prayed over her.
He told me he said:
Dear Jesus, Thank you for this day, and thank you for our blessings. Thank you for Gran and Kenney. Thank you for their wedding. Please help them have a wonderful life together. In Jesus' name, Amen
Paulette must have gotten tears in her eyes because she had to check her make-up.
I was so proud of him. That was such a mature thing to do. And for someone who really has had to process this all along the way, I knew he meant the things he said.
Jason gave Paulette away. Jack was the ring bearer. The girls were flower girls. The wedding was small and informal and perfect. It really was a celebration of 2 people (both who had been married 40+ years and lost spouses) finding happiness again.
The reception was back at the farm. The kids played, and Jason caught up with a bunch of friends and family that he hadn't seen since the funeral. The weather was amazing. It was a really wonderful day.
Congratulations, Kenney and Gran!
