The End Product

Recently I attended a family wedding. It was a wonderful event planned by the couple complete with a pyrotechnic display just outside the venue which overlooked the beach. Though that was not the “piece de resistance”.

The thing that brought a smile to every face and a tear to just about every eye were the speeches by the father of the groom and the groom.

The groom’s father gave an emotional address saying how proud he was of his son and his new daughter in-law and how much it meant to him to see how he had grown into his adult life with such a sense of independence and confidence. He also said how grateful he was that the two families were now joined together by this marriage.

The groom’s response was equally moving as he declared his love for his new bride. Then he went on to say how much he appreciated the sacrifices his parents made to get him to where he was today. He said how he now understood why his Dad worked so hard for the family and that how his parents brought him up had helped make him who he is today. He thanked them for the example of marriage they had given him and the love they had shown him.

Knowing this family as I do, I am well aware that they, like every other family have had heartaches and ups and downs when it comes to their children - however, watching this made me realize that even though there maybe hiccups and disappointments on the way, the end product is what matters and that all my lectures and life lessons and “time outs” will help to make the end product all that he or she can be and they will be able to live independently of me and flourish.