Jenny and Josh got married last weekend. It was not the wedding they had planned. COVID-19 intervened as it has for many. But, this event, though smaller than hoped for, was lovely. A gathering of family and a few friends, mostly from New Hampshire, put together a very special day that will long be remembered for its intimacy and delicate perfection. Recovering from a year of uncertainty has forced many of us to adjust plans, cancel travel and just plain explore new options.

I have been very impressed with how well folks have managed to rearrange not only wedding plans, but also practically everything that involved what used to be “normal” activity. There is a surge in travel, as can be observed on our Maine streets and roads. People are very anxious to make up for lost time. Some have managed this better than others, but we all have needed to become more resourceful and flexible.

What I have found over the course of the last year, and especially this year, is how families have realized the importance of gathering and sharing. I am impressed by how smaller and more organized events have replaced massive extravagance, at least in my experience. For me, the change has been refreshing and way more interesting. In almost every instance, I have been given the opportunity to meet, enjoy and get to know many more people.

Take for example the wedding I mention for Jenny and Josh. Not only did I get to know and plan with the couple, but I also got to visit with the family. During a short break in the action on Saturday I had a fun visit with the bride's father, who, as it turned out, lived and worked in New Jersey during a time when I was teaching there. When I listened closely to his voice, I recognized a familiar tone and cadence. Come to find out that he was from Brielle, down on the Jersey shore. It was a place I first went deep sea fishing. The boat went out to the “Mud Hole” and we fished for whiting. I got sick as a dog as our boatload of fishing people rolled back and forth just enough. My stomach was not helped by a large stogie-smoking gentleman who insisted on sharing his King Edward's exhaust! I was green!

The father of the bride and I continued to share stories as I awaited the signal to resume photos post hair and makeup and pre-gown adornment. Father told me that he had worked for AT&T and Pfizer, commuting to the City three hours each way by train, often six days a week. His “IT” skills were in high demand as AT&T was just opening a new location in Bedminster, New Jersey, right near where my wife grew up. Western New Jersey had beautiful farms, horses, and no high speed highways. I think I-78 fixed that! But there are still some mighty pretty areas out that way. Not what most think of as they roll down the I-95 corridor.

I got the call from upstairs that Jenny was ready to be seen. Dad and I ended our chat but we had connected during the pause. And it’s quite likely that we all will stay in touch as I have with many families. It may be a small gift that we have been given during these concerning times. We shall see.