A Seat In The Second Row 

The congregation was quiet. The only sound heard was soft piano music that had been selected by the prospective bride and groom. There he stood, my son, with eyes fixed toward the back of the church, waiting for the entrance of the love of his life. All eyes anticipated the entrance of a beautiful young lady to grace the doorway momentarily. But I chose to see Erick's expression when he first gazed upon the beauty whose heart he had captured. His eyes widened and his lips trembled and I knew their eyes had met. Love was in full bloom as he watched his princess slowly walk toward him. 
Erick graced our home as our third son. He had always exhibited a kind heart and thoughtfulness toward his brothers. I still have a note he wrote to the Easter Bunny at a tender age; "Please bring my Dad some chocolate candy and don't forget my brothers."

Erick was always a delight when a camera surfaced. He would start smiling in his little boy way even

before the camera was turned in his direction. Today he and his lady didn't have to vie for the camera. Their presence was the reason for the gathering.

Erick was known as the class clown during his early school years. During a short hospital stay one  elementary year, he was inundated with letters from classmates saying school was a bore without him. Now his new bride would be the recipient of his antics. That would be a good thing. Marriage grows strong in the soil of humor, thoughtfulness and love.

There was a time when our son had to come to grips with who he was and who he wasn't.Through many painful days and nights God gave us assurance that all things would work together for good." We trusted without seeing. We looked through a glass dimly. Our hearts hurt while our son looked for answers. Slowly Erick came to the realization that the world's enticements don't bring peace, happiness or joy. Little by little he turned his life over to the hand that guides the universe. He buried his life in his work, doing very little dating and almost no socializing.  He prayed and waited on God.

 As vows were repeated and rings exchanged our "children" were presented to the congregation as Mr. and Mrs. The world looked new and beautiful to the newly weds. It was my move now. I would relinquish my place in this young man's life for a seat in the second row. Now my part would be through guidance when asked, prayers without ceasing and faith that God would always be a part of the weave of their lives. As family and friends hugged the bride and groom, I knew our work was not over. Sooner or later little ones will probably grace our lives and a whole new generation will seek answers. With God's help they would find them, as Erick and Sara had.