Our granddaughter, Christie, and Mark were getting ready for their March wedding. Most of the many details had been covered. It was to be a small wedding with family and close friends. Things were looking good until here comes Covid 19 and the start of the pandemic. We heard all of the suggested rules for staying safe. Wash your hands while rendering Happy Birthday twice.  Stay away from the crowd. No backyard parties or barbecues, etc.

Christie and Mark were devastated. This blows the wedding plans for sure. They started looking for a way to pull off the wedding while staying in compliance with the suggested safety rules.

After scratching their heads, the kids decided that the wedding must take place outdoors. Further thought brought forth the idea that holding the wedding in a cul de sac would make it easier for everyone.  It just so happened that Christie’s paternal grandparents lived on a cul de sac. On the appointed day, we drove to the home of the other grandparents and parked at the curb of the cul de sac. The other guests arrived and lined up along the curb until we had the cul de sac filled. The overflow of people had to park on the street leading up to it. At the proper time, the bride and groom, the minister, and little Lily took their places in the center of the cul de sac, and the wedding commenced. The guests remained seated in their cars or got out and leaned against them. The ceremony went off perfectly, and, at the end, everyone applauded.

Next came the entertaining part of the afternoon. As the ceremony came to a close, one exuberant guest rushed toward the newly married couple with his hand extended to congratulate Mark. Mark, trying to honor the Covid 19 safety protocol, pulled his hand back and started backing away. The guest, undeterred, kept pressing forward as Mark backpedaled as best he could. Finally, the guy caught on and gave up on the handshake. It was hard to quit laughing over that one.

The wedding, though unusual, was a complete success. Christie and Mark now have their own terrific family, including three beautiful children.

Dave Thomas

3/7/2024