Darrell and Judy are about to get married and I'm sound asleep.
Its been a long day on the beach and adult beverages were involved.
Returning to "The Cottage," where I live alone, I pass out.
Fifteen minutes before the ceremony is scheduled to begin, I wake ... yawn .... stretch ... look at the clock ... and scream!
"HOLY SHIT!"
Grabbing my black robe and little black book, I take off for the marina.
One of the things I love about wearing a Preacher's Robe is you immediately look Holy when you put it on and it doesn't really matter what you have on underneath.
I recall wearing black running shorts and a UGA tee shirt that day with flip flops.
The other thing about being the minister at a wedding is ... they can't start without you.
A very worried but always immaculate looking Darrell is almost on the verge of breaking a sweat as I step on the boat.
I don't think Darrell's ever actually sweated ... the man is immaculate.
He hugs me and I'm almost awake.
It's a fun ride out towards the ocean as the boat's filled with great folks and an open bar.
Before I can finish my drink ... it's time.
Darrell takes his place beside me.
Judy beautifully appears as an Angel gliding on the water.
I don't recall what I say ... though I had a book to go by ... but when all was said and done ... they say "I Do" and a family is born.
Fast forward almost two decades later ... and Darrell strolls in the room where Sarah has me volunteering for the Savannah Children's Choir and ... he goes to say something but sees me ... and I jump up and we embrace ... because we have some crazy connection that will never go away.
I'm blessed to be part of the birth a family ... as two became one flesh ... and such things stay with you forever.
They have children so we talk about them, catch up and hug again.
I've done lots of cool weddings and Judy and Darrell's was one of the coolest ... and on the rare occasions we run into one another ... we're all right back there ... when they confess
I Do" ... and the world changes ... because nothings the same anymore.
That's what make wonderful marriages ... when you can go back in an instant ... and live it all again ... almost two decades later.
