In the past, Debs attended our family gatherings armed with a high quality camera. She would slip around when you weren’t looking and snap a picture when you had your mouth full of cake or something else. Sometimes an obscene gesture would work its way in to a photo.
I know Debs has been “out of the serious camera business” for awhile so I was safe in attending Deb and Tom’s reception in Wausau this weekend. Then favorite Grasshopper Margaret shows up with her high powered Japanese camera with assorted lens’ and begins snapping unexpectedly all over the VFW hall. It was the re-incarnation of Debs. Lots of embarrassing poses. To top it off, Margaret’s friend Shawn was also armed with a high powered machine. The new cameras let you push the button to take a picture and hold the button down so that you can get “rapid fire” moments. So we had an evening where pictures were being taken constantly by two people at an alarming rate and I think Margaret and Shawn had a bet to see who could get the most embarrassing poses. It was like “dueling cameras”. I can’t wait to see the final pictures. Yeah, right.
Debs and Tom held up pretty well. By the time the disk jockey went home, I could see Debs “battery” getting very low. She had done well. And Tom, he was surrounded by family and friends all evening. They didn’t seem to care if he was in a wheel chair. I didn’t know you could dance in a wheel chair. Now I know you can. I didn’t know you could twirl around in circles to the music. You can even lead a “conga line” followed by guests who felt no pain.
They came. The Andrews family. The Steger family. The Warosh family. Friends and guests came from far and wide. They left. It is now official. The wedding has taken place. The celebration has been held. The bride and groom can relax.
If there is a regret it is that it is almost impossible to spend quality time with everyone. I know I didn’t get enough time with our family meaning that meeting all of Tom’s relation seemed impossible. Alas, such is life. So much to do and so little time.
The next morning was very enjoyable. I got to spend quality time with each of the Grasshoppers staying at our motel and I got to harass the Grandchildren for a change rather than them harassing me.
I know that the celebration did not end at the VFW hall on Saturday night. Debs and Tom were entertaining at home all weekend. They created many special memories and will enjoy them for a long time.
You did well Grasshoppers. You made this Dad proud!
Love,
Dad