Love one another, but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. ~ Kahlil Gibran, On Marriage

Love one another, but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. ~ Kahlil Gibran, On Marriage

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Of all the hundreds of wedding pictures taken at Patrick and Nazaneen’s glorious wedding, this one intrigues me the most. Two very intuitive young lovers dancing their first dance as husband and wife. What is Patrick saying to his beautiful bride? I wonder…

My father gave me the book “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran when I was a teenager. I’ve referred to its’ wisdom time and again

when I fell in love

when I got married

when I had children.

I am watching the dance with admiration and the utmost respect. And maybe just a little bit of envy. I was so young when I got married- 22 years old. I knew very little about life and love. My father told me often that he didn’t think my husband treasured me enough or loved me enough or protected me enough. I laughed it off, thinking that he was just a jealous dad and he was bitter that some man took me away from him.

But as I have watched these two fall in love and plan for their future I have seen my son very intentionally take his role as a partner, a protector, and a provider. And I have seen beautiful Nazaneen, as she tenderly takes Patrick’s face in her hands to kiss him, so in love and so devoted to his happiness. I am certain that they were born to be together.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life’s heart. ~ Kahlil Gibran, On Love

There is something so inspiring about a marriage ceremony.  It makes you fall in love all over again. Not just with someone but with life and living. It renews one’s faith in the order of the universe. It makes one believe in good things ahead. In this time of political strife and climate horrors, people are committing to love. I believe that it makes a difference. Maybe Marianne Williamson is right? Maybe love is the answer.

At the end of their marriage ceremony Patrick took Naz’s hands and in perfect Farsi said these words:

Dooset Daram, Ashegetam, azizam, Ghorboonet Beram.

..at which a gasp/sigh floated up from the guests- at least from the guests who knew Farsi. The rest of us were left with wondering.

What did Patrick say to her?

Amidst the excitement and celebration with family and friends, I forgot to ask Patrick what it meant until weeks later. He said:

I love you.

I am in love with you, my dear.

I would die for you.

Patrick, Papa would be so proud.

7 Responses »

  1. How lovely to read this on Thanksgiving morning! Reminds me to be grateful for the wonderful people I have in my life, and to rejoice in their happiness. A happy day to you and your, Rosemarie.

  2. You have taught your sons how to love. I pray that Patrick and his bride will always remember the joy of their wedding day; it will get them through the sad and tiring days when nothing seems to go right. “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

  3. Hi Rosemarie— I’m grateful for this inspiring blog and to you for capturing this sacred moment. Two people in love with each other and with life! Let’s all fall in love with life!

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