Our older son is getting married tomorrow. We won't be there. We can't be there.

[3catwoman3]

Not quite 3 years ago, while visiting college buddies in Phoenix, our older son met a young woman who totally captured his heart in a very short time. In the summer of 2018, he decided to move there to be with her. Phoenix is a long way from the greater Chicago area, and I miss him terribly.

They are a good match intellectually, conversationally, philosophically, politically, empathically, spiritually (both open-minded agnostics) - and they both love cats. J]They just adopted a pair of house panther sisters. He is 30, she is 28. Greg and Tess.

They were going to tie the knot in a civil ceremony this past March, but then the COVID crisis hit the fan.

He called yesterday to tell us that they decided to "make it official" tomorrow at 11:30 AZ time. TOMORROW! They will sign whatever documents, with 2 friends as witnesses, and the officiant. Tomorrow evening, they are going to go up to a place where they have enjoyed stargazing and make their self-written vows to each other. They do not wish to share a written version of those vows with us.

Happy as I am for them, I admit that I am having a hard time not feeling somewhat sad that they don't want to at least share their vows. Greg is a superb communicator, and I know I would cherish hearing his thoughts on this momentous occasion.

[kimbutgar]

1. Can't someone FaceTime for you the wedding ceremony so you can watch?

[3catwoman3]

7. I think they are planning to "zoom" the signing of the...

...documents, but we will be on the road in the middle of a 12 hour drive from the Finger Lakes area of New York, where we have been on vacation, back to Illinois.

I don’t think we can access the internet from the highway.

[questionseverything]

9. Most cell phones have internet

I understand if you need a poor baby moment but you need to be happy that he is happy 😉

[TreasonousBastard]

10. My car has internet access through Onstar-- GM's Do-everything car app. Maybe yours has...

the same, or something similar. FWIW, I ZOOM all the time from my car.

My android phone is also internet available and can go online by itself, or can be connected via USB to a tablet or laptop. I've zoomed with that, too, from picnic table at rest stops and outdoor restaurants.

If you stop at a motel on the way, most have secure wifi.

If there is wifi at highway rest stops, it probably is not secure, but for a zoom wedding, that may not be a big problem.

Enjoy the wedding!

[onecaliberal]

2. Hugs.

[Karadeniz]

3. I'm sorry... It would be nice if they understood others' desire to share an important moment.

[blm]

4. ((3cat))

Love in the time of Covid. Sounds like you raised a good person.

[snowybirdie]

5. Congratulations

to the happy couple, and my condolences to you. I know your pain and sadness. We had to miss a grandchild's wedding last month. If it's any consolation, hubby and I decided on a Monday to marry. Wedding planned for Saturday, wedding dress bought, apartment found and furniture bought. All done in five days. That was 59 years ago. It's the love that lasts, not the party celebrating it. My best to you all.

[cilla4progress]

6. They may change their minds

later.

Mazel tov!

[MyMission]

8. Think of it this way, as personal, private vows between them

Like an intimate conversation you don't need to hear. I think it would be great if you could face time or zoom the ceremony, or if they could take a video.

It's sad and hard that you can't be there, and that they are starting their lives together at this uncertain and difficult time.

But how glorious that they have found each other, and will marry and build a life together.
And that they will have private vows to share with one another, personal and intimate.

Yes, marriage is a milestone for the parents, but really it's only the official or formal beginning of a lifetime together. You are with them in spirit, and with love and hope for their future and the wonderful life they will share. Think on those things.

And congratulations to the mother of the groom.