You know most people have trouble joining famlies together when their children get married. That has never been the case with us,and our Daughter, in fact it has been an entirely different story.
It all started when Greg came to the house to ask for Dawn's 'hand'. We had just made a major move, many miles south, and realized that a wedding in our new location would mean a lot of travel for friends and family. If we had the wedding where the Grooms family lived, it would be better for the Brides family and friends too. I had but one condition. The parents of the groom, who had been blessed with boys, would never have the opportunity to be envolved in the 'planning' of a wedding. It was my proposal then, at the time, we have Greg ask his parents if they would care to share in the planning of this wedding, in their area.
It ment a lot of travel for me personally. At the time Jay was working in Las Vegas on the original Grand Hotel. One week-end I would drive from Anaheim, California to Las Vegas, Nevada to go over what we were doing, with Jay. The next week-end, I would drive to Paso Robles, California to work on plans with the Shirley and Bill. I was usually working on some handwork for the girls outfits at the time. Busy hands and feet, but it came together nicely.
It gave both families a chance to get to know each other, except for Jay that is. Having the wedding in Atascadero was allowing me to arrange the needed things with ease. Shirley and Bill were able to choose what part of the wedding they would like to participate in. They had so many friends that could assist it made their job, and mine, so much easier.
Flowers was one of the things they were able to arrange. I don't think I could have done anything like what they were able to. Orchids that matched everyones dresses so beautifully. They arranged for the cake as well, and found the photographer for me.
When it came to the invitations, they were worded so both sets of parents were inviting their friends and family. The return addresses reflected the family that was issuing the invitation, rather than just the bride. A really joint effort all the way around. Harmonious and friendly from start to finish. What a great opportunity for all of us.
The dinner following the rehearsal at the Church was held at Wilsons in Paso Robles. It was at that dinner, we became A family. Bill stood and gave a toast that united us, and it has remained so, ever since. How greatful Jay and I have been over these many years that have followed with the friendship, love and family relaltionship the Slanes and the Rosenbergs have shared. We have never competed for the affection of any of the Grand Children or Greats. Never a need to. From the start there was never a time when we were not united so that was never an option, really. I believe we have brought a whole new meaning to 'family'. Dawn became the daughter Bill and Shirley never had, and Jay and I gained a son we have loved and appreciated these many years. Sharing a family has been wonderful. In fact I believe sharing has made the family all the more precious to us.
Those jokes about 'mothers-in-laws' has never fit OUR FAMILY.
You know, I never had the luxury of having a sister, neither did Shirley, so we accepted that title with ease when our 'kids' got married. There are blessings in finding love and in sharing. I believe our two families have been able to put those two together. Fortunate and happy it has made us too!
We can truly say: WE ARE A FOREVER FAMILY!
Written this 6th day of October 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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