A wedding surprise

I was a bit upset that I learned about my grandson's surprise wedding via Facebook. What happened to family being involved, after all, aren't marriages a joining of families as well?

Not any more. 

I still feel surprised about my learning about my grandson's wedding in this way. After all, he'd called when they knew they were expecting. He was quite excited about sharing that several months ago. 

"You're going to be a Great-Grandma," he said.

They had already planned a big wedding on a cruise about this time, inviting all the family members. I declined due to health. Then they changed the date a year later to include the baby.

 They also had purchased a new house together about a year ago moving from Tampa to near Pensacola.

The new house is closer to his step family, who he grew up with. 

There's a step brother who's older than him, as well as his step-father who raised him after he was 9 months old.  

My son didn't marry my grandson's mother.  But that's probably his story to tell.

My first great-grandbaby. (We didn't have ultra sound photos when my children were expected in the 60s and 70s!)

The story of my grandson's birth and being raised by a step-father that he thought was his real father, that's his to tell, I guess. He did meet my son and start having a real relationship with his birth father in the last 15 years at least.

Sunday this week was the day my granddaughter, Caroline graduated from college. My blood line is sure busy these days!

Our family is just like any other family. We fall in love, we fall out of love. We have children, they grow up. We're all just doing the best we can with what we know and have at the time.

I wish the newlyweds much happiness!

For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is to let it rain.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Young men in suits

A couple of young men, dressed up in suits (see the end of post...for Sepia Saturday this week.)

So this is my sepia photo for this week. My father is standing between his mother and father. I think they probably are dressed for church, thus the white summer shoes and stockings on my grandmother. Dad wore a shirt and tie every day of his working life. So did Poppy.  This was in our back yard in Dallas, TX in 1942.

In my life, my sons aren't required to dress up in suits. Except for the occasion of weddings.  When my oldest got married April 22, 2019, we all were dressed up!

That's not quite long enough ago to merit a Sepia Saturday post.  But you go with what you have, right?

Russ (best man) and groom, my son Marty.  Marty's coat of velvet with embroidered swags on the left side...and a nice satin vest, a bit of his wilder nature coming out for this, his second wedding.  I think this once would have been called a smoking jacket. For work he wears a polo shirt with his employer's logo on the sleeve.

Myself and my son Russ. I think Russ started work as a consultant wearing suits, but has now gone more casual with polo shirts with a collar, and left the necktie behind. Maybe not when he makes presentations. I'll have to ask him.

My son, Tai on left, having fun telling his half-brother Russ an emotional story.  Apparently Russ liked hearing about it. Tai is now working at a high school helping at-risk students move toward attending college. I don't think he would wear that new suit very much...but he's set for weddings now!


And the Sepia Saturday prompt shows 2 very young men dressed in their suits...I do wonder what the occasion might have been, something an Armenian culture would promote.

Today's Quote:

“One of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on ‘going it alone.’ Somehow we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into ‘those who offer help’ and ‘those who need help.’ The truth is that we are both.”

Casandra Brene' Brown

Roger Martin Heym, my son

Every mother can say this kind of thing, because every mother is proud of her children (mostly.) But I feel as happy as a marshmallow melting with chocolate between a couple of graham crackers...call me S'mores!

This is updated for Marty's 55th birthday! Big change in his life for this year...
On April 22, 2019, Marty and Barbara Baker got married!

Here Marty and Barb are opening my present to them, a vase with 2 infinity symbols on it.

The wedding ceremony at The Ringside Cafe, officated by Michael Roaddancer, wearing a kilt.

But let's go back a bit, to the collection of photos I shared last year for Marty's birthday...

Roger Martin, my firstborn, came into the world on this day about 54 55 years ago.  What a long and wonderful time this has been.

 With George Rogers, in Houston TX around Nov-Dec 1964.  Grandfather was just 50. Marty around 6 mos.

Doug on left, is Marty's father.  Doug's parents are Norm Heym (center) then Marty about 2 years old, then Mary Hillyer Heym, on right.

Marty cuddles to his grandmother Mataley Rogers holding Marty's new little brother, Russ born Aug 1967

Marty with his Aunt Mary Miller, holding little brother Russ

 While Russ slides banister, Marty talks with cousin Lisa (blond with back to camera).  Aunt Mary is looking at something while her son Zach sits at her feet (wearing blue shirt). Again waiting to go into a restaurant for lunch...this time in San Jacinto, Texas.

 

That's one picture for each year! (and one to grow on!)

I hope this birthday is great for you, dear son...and that you have many more happy years!  I love you SO MUCH!