Mr. and Mrs. Moran

Amy headed to the hotel lobby with Claire and her bridesmaids. The limo to the church had arrived. Everyone climbed on board. It wouldn’t be long now. Patrick was already at the church waiting for the start of their nuptial Mass. Kyle was there with him. Amy sat with Claire’s mom, Victoria, and as they rode and conversed, Amy asked, “What’s it like to have your daughter getting married today?” Although Amy could have assumed how Victoria might respond, her actual response left Amy speechless.

Victoria explained how she looked at Claire and Patrick’s wedding day as the next step in her journey with Claire. The next thing they do together. She doesn’t think that she and her husband, Gorky, are losing their daughter to marriage—marriage is simply the next thing that she and Gorky will support Claire through. It’ll be the next part of their journey. What a wonderful perspective and way to view your role as a parent. In fact, it’s a wonderful perspective to have about love. It contains receptivity without possessiveness, and it illustrates the beautiful freedom that comes from loving and being loved in return.

Claire and Patrick, your journey of love with one another is just beginning. You have amazing examples in both Victoria and Gorky and in Nadine and Jay to get you started. You were surrounded by so many family members and friends who love you on your wedding day! Don’t forget to turn to these people again and again to celebrate the joys of life and to support you through the inevitable sorrows. It is plain to see that God has already blessed both of you, and as you continue to follow near to Him, He always will. We wish you the best and will continue to pray for your family!

Love,

Amy and Kyle