Connections
Dan Downing
Val and her new husband Mike — in Mickey Mouse ears to add levity to the occasion — appreciating parents and closest friends at their rehearsal dinner.
The wedding of my niece brought together 175 people — separated by two degrees or less — in Austin last weekend.
For me it was three days of connecting, reflecting, laughing, learning.
I learned about my son’s partner, JimK, and his new model yacht racing hobby.
I connected with my childhood friend MaryAnn, whose mother, Nancy, was my second mother, as I wrestled with growing up in Mexico City.
I met Madeleine, the strong and beautiful daughter of my sister’s best friend, Elena, about to begin her career as an art teacher at the same French elementary school I attended 50 years ago.
I listened to comments of admiration about how easy my two daughters, Sarah and Rebecca, are to talk with, from a new friend, Mike’s best man, Matt.
I had breakfast with my 85 year-old-mother Bertha, and my just-turned-37 son Jim, and reflected on three learnings from my father that have shaped who I am.
I read a book my son Greg gave me, whose author he identifies with, and gained insights about his own personal dreams and inner struggles.
Weddings and funerals have a natural way of getting us in touch with the parts of ourselves we see reflected in people we’ve known and loved. We need more events like this, less momentous or terminal, to appreciate each other and learn about ourselves.
Simple and elegant sharing, Dan-O. Thanks for the window in…….
Comment by appreciative — August 24, 2004 @ 11:35 am
Wonderful to hear from you and about you, Dan!
I just don’t believe that that is you in the picture.
I saw the Who about two weeks ago: they were spectacular. Roger Daltry looked 16. I remembered listening to “Tommy” on your auto-rewind tape deck on Richdale. Memories, memories, thanks so much for the memories.
Comment by pedro — August 24, 2004 @ 5:13 pm
Ah…just got the missing link to Jimk’s new toy!
Comment by sailme — August 24, 2004 @ 6:11 pm
Sorry, Pedro, but that is not me in the pic, but niece Val’s new hubby.
But speaking of memories, noted starkly this weekend how I’ve bundled up and incinerated memories of painful chapters. People, places, situations, go Poof!
Probably gives birth to my Next!
Comment by smiling — August 24, 2004 @ 6:17 pm
Dan, It is great to hear your enthusiasm. I also love what happens at weddings and funerals. You are often on my mind. Hope all is well.
Comment by Ginger — August 24, 2004 @ 7:42 pm
As usual, a well written description. You have to go camping to tell us more details!
Comment by Q — August 25, 2004 @ 8:09 am
How good of you to share all these nice thoughts and memories. I remember when Greg was born. We were visiting on Beacon St. It is impossible that all this time has elapsed. Thanks, Dan. Love fromm Mack and Helen
Comment by Helen — August 25, 2004 @ 10:00 am
I remember your phone call from Bonnie’s room – baby at your side. I even remember the sound of your voice. So there, mom, top that!
Comment by michael — August 25, 2004 @ 12:49 pm