Happy, Wonderful, Exciting News!

It came last night, that call I've been waiting for since August, and it was worth the wait.

For the three of you who have devotedly followed my blog, you may recall that our family welcomed some VIP guests last August - my baby brother Michael (youngest of the five siblings in our family) and his lovely girlfriend Meg. Our visit with them was so wonderful. Watching the two of them together was a true delight. I loved Meg from the first time I met her, though due to distance we haven't been able to spend much time together. That August visit was a gift, a chance to really get to know the person who cared so deeply about my brother. Also a treat was the opportunity to watch Michael, who has grown up from baby brother into a law student and fine man. Being in their company, it was obvious to me that the two of them belong together, that they "complete" one another (sorry, I couldn't resist!).

Big sisters have certain privileges, and one of them is the right to NAG. I'm not sure the car had pulled out of the driveway for their return trip home yet when my nagging began.

"When are you going to propose? What are you waiting for?"

Michael knew his plan, which really was truly perfect. Last night I received the call - Michael and Meg were engaged Tuesday night in what must have been an incredible moment. The joy of hearing him retell the details of their engagement filled my heart - those stories are the ones you retell to your friends, your children, and ultimately your grandchildren. Michael and Meg's story is wonderful, filled with love and friendship. As a big sister, I could not wish for a more perfect companion for Michael.

To Michael and Meg, congratulations and best wishes. I love you both with all my heart and can't wait to witness your marriage! And don't worry, I'll wait at least a year before I start bugging you for nieces!

Irish Wedding Blessings:

May God go with you and bless you,
May you see your children`s children,
May you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

May joy and peace surround you both,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now And God Bless you Evermore.

May you live you life with trust, And nurture lifelong affection,
May your lifelong dreams come true for you, Move ever that direction.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
May the light of friendship guide your paths together,
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for each
other trip a smile from your lips, a twinkle from your eye.
And when eternity beckons,
at the end of the life heaped high with love,
May the good Lord embrace you
with the arms that have nurtured you
the whole length of your joy-filled days.

May the gracious God hold you both
in the palm of His hands.
And, today, may the Spirit of Love
find a dwelling place in your hearts.