We gathered in Austin, coming from one coast or the other, to raise a glass and give our cheer, for a moment all so dear. Parents and brothers and sisters, children too, now extended across the two families: this is what a marriage brings together.

During the morning we watched the Annual Pet Parade, and discovered what gems we could in the afternoon. At night, we donned our best to gather in Justine’s secret garden and celebrate with the newlyweds. There were, of course, tears here and there, knowing just how much our mother would have loved this fabulous party. She would have crafted a poem to recite for the occasion, as she did for so many birthdays and anniversaries and weddings. Filled with clever and not so clever rhymes, and we would have listened and laughed and so enjoyed her theatrics. Instead, auspiciously, my brother recited Wordsworth, from memory, to his new bride, and by doing so he made us laugh, he caused us to remember, and he helped us all to look forward.

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