Step Childrens' Weddings
A long drive to Goodworth Clatford, near Andover, where widowed cousin Jane married widowed Peter. Peter came from Swindon. They will live in Goodworth Clatford. Peter said this was like Midsomer, of Midsomer Murders fame. Thatched cottages, river and bridleways. Any way, my sister Sally and I got to know an entire new gang of Peter and Wendy's children etc etc. along with Jane's etc etc. After the church service the Misomers type gracious village hall was filled for a reception. Niece Sarah was the band's lead singer. Next day all relatives ate in the Royal Oak pub, then Sally and I took a B&B in the New Forest where ponies roam free. On my way back I kept stopping and went to sleep...
How two couples and their children make sense of a new marriage? Here is Jane's daughter Jude's poem which says a lot about Wendy (deceased) and Tony(deceased) and their former spouses, and all:
We have been here before, you and I,
with partners, much loved now gone
we spent our springs, our summers with others
and with their passing feared to end our time
facing a cold lonely winter.
What a wonderful surprise then, what a delight to find
another love, another person to walk through life with.
Now we look forward to a warm autumn together,
and a cosy, loving winter.
We will never forget Wendy and Tony,
we stand here, two people but four souls.
We will carry our past loves on
as we build our wonderful new life together.