This past week I traveled to Wisconsin to celebrate my first cousin’s 50th wedding anniversary. I was at her wedding 50 years ago. In fact, I officiated at it. Bev, my cousin, and her twin sister Barb and younger sister Bonnie all had a very positive influence on my life as I was growing up. Their consistent kindness and love toward me and my brother over so many years taught me much about the meaning of compassion and love.
This celebration of family and friends coming to rejoice with this very loving couple inspired everyone. Bev and Jim are as caring and compassionate now as they were 50 years ago. I was so impressed by their friends who have known them for many years. They all seemed to have that same gift of love and compassion toward others. My brother, sister-in-law and I left the celebration feeling grateful that we were there. I think the evening helped us all to be more grateful for the love we all have for each other and to make sure that this love increases as the years go by. This evening we reminisced about our childhoods and the good and funny things that had happened to all of us.
Life is meant to be a celebration of love. Gatherings like weddings, birthdays, graduations and many other occasions for family and friends to get together, help us all to realize the importance of love in our lives.
It is important to celebrate love. This is why gatherings are so important. Whenever we can attend a gathering, we have a chance to reflect on the meaning and importance of love. The one constant throughout centuries that has been helping the world become a more compassionate planet is love. The purpose of celebration gatherings of family and friends is to renew the meaning of love.
At a beautiful Supper Club in Hales Corner, Wisconsin, last Friday evening, I experienced a most inspiring celebration of love. This wonderful couple has always been welcoming to everyone in their life. It is the purpose of life. To welcome others into our life by kind words and kind actions.
I felt privileged to be at this gathering and see my cousins again and their wonderful husbands. It was good to be with my loving brother and his wonderful wife who have been married for fifty-two years.
On the way to Wisconsin, I drove to Muskegon and took the ferry across Lake Michigan to Milwaukee. Because my leg had been bothering me, my loving wife insisted I take a cane. What a positive experience this was for me. So many people approached me to help me. People would go out of their way to help me wherever I went. I again realized that there is a lot of love all around us.
Celebrations of love motivate me to bring more love into the world. They also help me be grateful for all the loving experiences that have come my way in my past. Bev and Jim were very patient with me when they got married 50 years ago. I had talked too long during the service and the flower girl fainted. At this celebration the flower girl was present. We gave each other a big hug. We all had a good laugh. It stemmed from a sense of love, compassion and a positive attitude about love.
If ever you have a reason to celebrate a birthday, a wedding, an anniversary or a family gathering, attend it with an open heart. It will increase your awareness of the importance of love in your life and how your love can make the world a better place. This is what I experienced last Friday evening.
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Fred Cavaiani is a licensed marriage counselor and psychologist with a private practice in Troy. He is the founder of Marriage Growth Center, a consultant for the Detroit Medical Center, and conducts numerous programs for groups throughout Southeast Michigan. His column in the Legal News runs every other Tuesday. He can be reached at 248-362-3340. His e-mail address is: Fredcavi@yahoo.com and his website is fredthecounselor.com.
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