Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Song of Solomon 8:6

My son Micah is getting married and with it I am ushered into a whole new world. Not the one that Aladdin and Jasmine found in the popular Disney movie, rather, a real world of relationships, adult children, and becoming a mother-in-law. Micah is marrying his soul mate, best friend, and love of his life – Lauren. I have been warned by some wise friends, who have chartered this territory, to bring a lot of tissue as the tears will flow. And I believe them – to look and see your son, a man, waiting expectantly for this beautiful woman who he will pledge his life to – an act not achievable apart from grace.

No wonder poets and artists never grow tired of finding ways to portray love whether it be through words or other mediums – it is a complete mystery.

The pictures that I’ve pulled together for a photo album are a powerful memory jogger and take me on a journey from 23 years ago until today.

An unexpected pregnancy at 28 years old while living in Pakistan…Welcoming a tiny baby in Daytona Beach, Florida a mere 2 weeks after arriving in the United States from Pakistan…The excitement of two older siblings, one 14 months old and the other almost 3, who could not give him enough kisses…The little toddler packed up with diapers and Duplo on his first overseas adventure at one year old, complete with Benadryl to allow parents to sleep in the long 20 hour trip….A three-some called AnnieJoelMicah  (others envied my homegrown play group)…His excitement at welcoming first a little sister, Stefanie and 3 years later another brother, Jonathan…The 10 year old who wistfully looked at a playground in America and said “Dad, I’d die to have a playground like that at my new school.” only to find out that his wish would come true…The 12 year old who ‘just warned’ me that he would probably be the one to date the most out of the boys in the family…Pictures documenting a skilled performer, bringing awards home from speech and debate tournaments…. transitioning into pictures of graduation- first high school, then college.

And now the man and woman to be celebrated this weekend,  first at a serious ceremony and ending with one big party!

The album will now become Micah and Lauren’s as they begin their story and fill the rest of the pages with photos representing a new unit. And until the end of time, I think I will continue to be amazed at the journey of life and love in all its stages.

Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned”. Song of Solomon 8:7

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