My words of wisdom for the newlyweds
We’ve all heard the saying, “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.”
As I look back on the past 15 years of my life, that couldn’t be any truer.
This weekend, I attended the wedding of one of my good high school friends—a guy I’ve known for nearly 20 years. I’ve known his brothers and his family, and we’ve experienced things together that most people would only dream of—or wouldn’t even believe.
Not only was it a special day celebrating a new chapter in his life with his beautiful bride, but it was also a night spent reminiscing about memories with good friends. They’re the kinds of memories that become forgotten thoughts until everyone reunites.
It was a good night and an even better reminder of how people enter your life, either on purpose or simply through an act of God-given fate, and leave an everlasting tally mark on the wall.
For me, moving almost 400 miles away from friends and family was a double-edged sword. At times, you feel on top of the world as you conquer the goals you’ve set for yourself. On the other hand, it can feel quite isolating.
Luckily, modern technology such as FaceTime and social media gives me the ability to keep up with what’s happening in the lives of my friends and family back home.
Being part of this special day with friends whom I consider family made me want to say thank you.
Thank you for letting me be part of it. You probably don’t realize that I’d be willing to travel countless miles just to spend the day with all of you.
Much love to everyone I haven’t seen in over a decade: Kathy, Grant, Petschow, Jessica, Stamford, Mike, Tim, all of the Klemenics—you’ve all multiplied, so I couldn’t name everyone if I tried—Kenny, Jay-Bo, and the list goes on and on.
As I wrap up my thoughts from this weekend, I’d like to plant a few seeds of advice for the newlyweds. I’ve learned to see things in a different light, making me appreciate every second spent with the people I grew up with, the relationships I’m currently in, and those from my past.
So, here it goes:
Never stop dating one another. Seriously, don’t. When you have kids, get a sitter—even when they say no. Just do it. In this case, actions are better than words.
Love yourself. Be yourself. Don’t try to change each other. You fell in love with one another for who you are, not for who you want the other person to become.
Don’t forget your roots. Don’t forget where you came from or the people who have stood—and continue to stand—beside you. That’s part of what makes both of you unique. However, you’ve also chosen a new chapter and started a new journey. Put each other first as you begin this chapter in your new family story.
It’s okay to listen without trying to fix everything. Always listen, but don’t always listen with the sole intention of finding a solution.
Be present. Be around. Be available. Sometimes we get caught up in life, our jobs, and our children. I know you don’t have children yet, but when that day comes, remember to take care of yourselves and each other first. Everything else will fall into place. Work can wait. It’s often the moments with the people we care about that get overlooked as time passes.
So, Dave and Christina, as a divorced father of two amazing little boys, these are the best words of wisdom I can pass along to you both.
May the days ahead bring you endless happiness. And remember: Never stop being awesome.
Much love to you all.
Oh...and these may not be the greatest photos in the world, but what did you expect when you kept giving me beers?!
