“Don’t stop believing” blared from the DJs speakers as the bridal party danced with energetic abandon. It had been a nearly perfect day for a wedding. Members of the extended family had greeted one another after a long hiatus. Life had gotten in the way and the last time different family members had seen each other had been at one of the rash of funerals several years earlier. “Til death do you part”. Others had not spoken in even a longer time because of some slight, grudge, or family feud.

The sun had beaten down on the lawn and the bay in the distance. Many people remembered sailing in these waters with the bride’s grandfather. “Perhaps when you get a boat again, you’ll keep it here,” suggested one relative. It has been years since I’ve sailed. Life had gotten in the way, as well as financial difficulties which led me to getting rid of the boat. “For richer or poorer”.

My wife and I danced a little, but not much. It seems like after she contracted Lyme disease, she’s often too sick to dance. When we do get a chance to dance, it is only briefly. Gone are the crazy car dances on the long drives to Cape Cod. “In sickness and in health.”

Yet with all of that, I thought back to our wedding. I thought of the importance of celebrating the weddings of friends and family, not only for the newlyweds, but for everyone, as an opportunity to renew our vows. I looked at the bride and grooms faces, full of hope and joy as they danced with their friends. I thought of all the struggles of this life and I looked back at the bridge and groom. The message was clear in the song playing from the loudspeakers, “Don’t stop believing.”