I got back from my sisters house a while ago where I said, "Until next time" to my nieces Joan, Karen and my new nephew-in-law, David Mackenzie.
Karen and Dave were married Saturday and it truly was a beautiful, simple yet very elegant wedding. I could give you all the details of the beautiful vintage gown and how gorgeous Karen looked in it - but the words wouldn't do it (or her) justice. Joan, her sister, looked equally stunning as the matron of honor and certainly saw to her sister's every need and want.
Sadly, the girl's father - Earl - wasn't with us to walk his youngest daughter down the aisle. He was present in our hearts and minds though; his name mentioned frequently by family and guests alike.
Dave, my nephew, is an amazing young man and joins his brother-in-law, Matthew, in the high-energy, detail, goal-oriented family. The love each of these young men have for my nieces has not escaped me. It takes strong men to keep up with these two ladies. Their love, patience, and understanding will be put to the test multiple times - if it hasn't already - as these women pursue their dreams. I'm confident though, that each of these men has what it takes to make a life and loving home with Karen and Joan.
Both of my nieces are on track in their careers. Through visiting with Joan on Sunday evening, over a post-wedding glass (or two) of wine, I learned - or should I say, understood, more of what their goals are and ambitions lie.
Joan is a PhD, MD who researches blood (hematology) and sees patients in clinic to discover what more she can do in her research to help them. In the next few years, she'll be putting herself out there to different hospitals, universities, etc to start her own lab. Where that may be is a mystery - for now. But I know Joan and know that she'll make the best choice for her and make all that hard work pay off. To be quite honest, I'm in awe of her. Her drive, her ambition and knowledge are unparalleled by anyone that I've ever come in contact with. With one exception - her sister Karen.
Karen is a PhD also - in the Chemistry field. She, too, has worked tirelessly towards a goal and she's a year away from making that happen. She starts Thursday in her final year of Law School at William-Mitchell. She'll be working patent law and use her chemistry background to research and litigate patent infringements. (Thank you Joan for helping me understand this).
Karen hasn't said anything, but Joan mentioned that she has already received an employment offer with the firm that she's been working with through her schooling. Again, I state, I'm utterly amazed at all that she's accomplished.
These two young ladies share a tight bond with each other - and the two men they've married understand that, I believe. If not, I'm sure Peggy has clued them in....if not, I will!. (I don't think it'll be necessary though).
I don't have children of my own. However, my sister (and Earl) were gracious enough to allow me to have a part in these girls' lives. They may not have been born to me - but I do consider them "my girls", just as I consider my nephew Blaine as "my Blainer."
I'm incredibly proud of them, and for all they've accomplished. In the back of mind, I'm already thinking "and they're just getting started."
So, as I finish this blog entry with some tears in my eyes, I smile at the wonderful memories made this weekend. The celebration of love Dave and Karen have for each other was/is beautiful - but not to be outdone by the love these two young ladies have for each other (and their mother).
#FamilyisEverything #enaminesparty #LoveThemBoth #ProudAunt
