RICK AND PAT GET MARRIED!

Once upon a time in a beautiful place a rainbow appeared and seemed to land outside the window. After 17 years together, Pat and Rick were reminded they had found the pot of gold --- each other!

Part 1 The Engagement

On  February 14 (Valentine's Day!) we were in Anganguayo Mexico, hiking to 8,500 feet to find a Shangri-La we had long imagined --- the wintering spot for the millions of monarch butterflies, some that flutter-migrate from our place in Ontario, thousands of miles to be here. Rick had concealed a symbolic ring from some far-flung country in his pack. Finally, beyond the security guards and in a nervous voice, he shouted to Pat to stop gawking at the monarchs and come off the path and join him. (Pat would say later that she thought Rick was just pissing in the woods, like he does at home!)  Eventually Rick dropped to his knees, stumbled through some words of endearment and popped the question. Surprised and then realizing what was happening, Pat said "Yes!" and tears flowed all around. The monarchs coloured the sky orange in joy.

That day is featured in the blog posting of Feb. 14, with many pictures. There is a hint of the engagement at the end of those paragraphs!

Part 2 Keeping the Secret

Maybe we were dizzy from the high altitude, but when we came back down to earth we each had a condition to this "yes!". Pat said she would only marry Rick Wyszynski. I had been talking about taking back my name since the last century and now there was the ultimate motivation. It would take til September to get the paperwork and legalities accomplished!  Rick's condition was that everything would be kept secret, to avoid fuss and keep it personal. By September/October we had decided on a location from the choices of Kemble, Toronto, or Windsor. We had found a wedding Officiant online that turned out to be very much in sync with our values (deep) and tone (light). We had picked a date that wouldn't conflict with any other family history. And most importantly, we had met with our Witnesses and sworn them to secrecy. Christy and Nikki epitomized the fun, youthfulness, and integrity that we had long admired in them. And they just happened to be available for the Big Day!!

Part 3 Wedding Day

Efficient to a fault, we arrived back in Detroit Oct. 26 from a trip to Las Vegas (there are hints in the blog post of Oct. 26 about the upcoming wedding!). We stayed in Windsor overnight, and got married the next day. (Pat M would write -- "Let me get this straight: You went to Vegas and got married in Windsor?!?!?") So many things had to work out, the big one being the weather for this outdoor ceremony. Luckily, our angels arranged a mild dry day ---- we had the sunshine in our hearts anyway! The four of us walked over to an appropriately green and floral spot by the river (where I had often rode my bike to fish as a boy, and where Pat and I had come on our first trip together to Windsor).  Our self-written vows reflected our life together past, present, and future. (Ask our witnesses about how deeply personal and meaningful it was.) In tears yet smiles all around, we were pronounced married and the corn-fetti flew (wild bird seed from home!).

Photos by Christy, sign by Inspiration. We drove up Pillette Avenue top-down and horns honking. Other cars honked in support? sympathy?? And, being blue-collar Windsor, another Mustang yelled out "wanna race??" (As Tom C said later, my race was over!) A warming and pleasant lunch, the cake was cut, and the group headed off, they to Royal Oak and us completing the loop to Kemble.

Notes: We're big on  history and family. So it's interesting to note that a Cardinal (Mike Cardinal, actually) married us as Wyszynski --- there was a famous Polish Cardinal Wyszynski! Also, Pat's red jacket is from our late and dearly beloved Aunt Eva. Pat's ring is the engagement ring from her late dearly beloved  Grandmother. My ring takes the place of my dad's wedding ring which was stolen, but still with me in spirit.

We had so much fun and joy hearing from all our friends and family after the news went out the next day. Real and sincere thanks to everyone out there who shared our happiness and surprise. May we all live happily ever after.