It was now time for the Commitment Ceremony to begin. Upon cue, Shelly’s beautiful soprano voice split the stillness, as she began to sing ‘My Heart Will Go On.’ As you probably already know, this song was made famous by Celine Dion, when it was used as the theme song for the movie ‘Titanic.’
Every night in my dreams I see you, I feel you That is how I know you go on
Far across the distance And space between us You have come to show you go on
Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on Once more you open the door And your here in my heart And my will go on and on
Love can touch us one time And last for a lifetime And never let go till were gone
Love was when I loved you One true time I hold to In my life we'll always go on
Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on Once more you open the door And you're here in my heart And my heart will go on and on
You're here, there's nothing I fear, And I know that my heart will go on We'll stay forever this way You are safe in my heart And my heart will go on and on
If you read the lyrics or are familiar with them, you might have already guessed why the boys selected this song to begin the event. It was chosen because it indicated how they felt about each other, especially when they were separated and living on different campuses during the school year. Even though Kevin and Vinnie had not experienced this problem at college, they felt it was appropriate for them as well, considering the separation they had gone through when Vinnie had run off, after catching Kevin with another guy.
As the lyrics began to filter through the church, we brought the six other boys from the rooms they had been waiting in and led them to a spot along the wall, on either side of the altar. Even though their ceremony was yet to be held, they wanted to witness the other ceremonies as well. Therefore, we allowed them to remain there until it was their turn to exchange vows. Once their ceremony was concluded, they would then take a seat with their partner in the front pew, where they could continue to watch the others exchange their vows. Danny and Brandon were going to go first.
The minister began to speak and greeted those in attendance. “Dear Friends,” he began. “Once again we are united here for a very special purpose, as these young men,” he stated, as he pointed to the group to his right, “and these young men,” he added, indicating the group on the other side of the church, “have agreed to commit themselves to a loving and enduring relationship. I am sad to say this is not an official and sanctioned wedding ceremony, but I will treat it as seriously and as sacredly as I would the traditional ceremony. I pray that the day will soon come when the children of God will realize and accept love for what it is and what it represents, and not solely by whom you love.
“During a formal wedding, I usually begin by asking who is giving away the bride, but in this case I will ask who stands with these men?”
“I, Patrick O’Hara, give my son, Brandon O’Hara, to be joined, with God’s blessing, with his one, true love,” Mr. O’Hara stated, after escorting his son to a spot in front of the altar.
“And I, Joshua Currie, give my son, Daniel Currie, to be joined, under this holy roof and the watchful eye of God, with the love of his life,” I stated, once we had reached a position where Danny was standing beside Brandon.
“Does anyone here object to this joining? Speak now or forever remain silent,” the pastor stated next, but no one responded.
“Since we have no formal sayings to bind these two together, they have agreed to share their own words of commitment,” the pastor explained. “Brandon will go first.”
“Danny, I think I have loved you from the first day we met,” Brandon began. “You were my knight in shining armor then, when you came to my rescue, and you still are. No matter how long we have known each other, our love has never faded or faltered, even though we have been separated for the majority of the past four years, while we attended different colleges. I wish to now, in front of all these witnesses, confess my undying love for you and offer my pledge to remain with you forever. My heart will go on, always beating with yours as one.”
Brandon’s words were very beautiful and sincere and I was certain at least a few of the ladies in attendance had a tear or two in their eyes. Now, it was Danny’s turn to speak.
“Brandon, I too fell in love with you from that first day and I have found that my love for you only grew stronger, the longer I knew you. You are not merely my lover, but you are my best friend, staunchest supporter and a loving and caring partner. I would never be able to consider going through life without you by my side, so I promise to love, cherish, protect and care for you, as long as I have a breath within my body. I love you, Brandon, and want us to go through life as one.”
The minister paused briefly after Danny finished speaking, but I believe this time it was to allow him to calm down his own emotions. I think he might have been too choked up to speak at that point and needed the breather before he could continue. Finally, he looked up and spoke.
“After hearing your unprompted and touching words of love for each other, I see no reason why you shouldn’t now consider yourselves life’s partners in the eyes of God. You have my blessing and best wishes for a long and loving relationship. Will you please turn and face those assembled, so they may also greet you as such.”
After Danny and Brandon hugged and kissed, they turned around to face those in attendance. As I did the same thing, I immediately spotted many tear streaked faces and people wiping the tears away. A few seconds later, the crowd began to clap, as their way of showing approval of this newly joined couple. In my heart, I believed this ceremony had been as touching as any wedding ever performed in the hallowed sanctuary.
Once Danny and Brandon had taken their seats, we moved on to the next couple, Dion and Trey.
“I ask who stands with these next two men?” the minister asked.
“I, Jacob McCarthy, stand with my step-son, Alexander Currie, to be united with his true love and constant companion,” Jake announced, after he walked Trey to the altar.
“And I, Joshua Currie, give my son, Dion Currie, to be joined, with his love and soul mate,” I stated, once we reached a position where Dion was standing next to Trey.
“Does anyone here object to this joining? Speak now or forever remain silent,” the pastor stated again, but no one responded this time either.
“Alexander, or as most of you know him, Trey, will speak first,” the pastor explained.
“Dion, I hope you know how much I love you and always will,” Trey began. “You are not only a beautiful and caring individual, but you also have many wonderful and unique qualities. You are a terrific lover, supportive friend and a fantastic father. You have the ability to converse with mere mortals, yet also possess the talent to sing with the angels. You proceed through life with dignity and grace, so I am thrilled to not only agree to be your devoted life’s partner, but also serve as a second father to your wonderful and beautiful son.”
“Trey, I love you more than life itself,” Dion responded, now that it was his turn. “You have the soul of a poet, the mind of a genius and a heart of pure gold. I don’t think I have ever met, nor ever will encounter such a kind, considerate and caring person as you. I am not only eager to join with you as life’s partners, but I can think of no better person to serve as an example and guiding light for my son. From this moment forward, I am totally and forever yours.”
Once again, the minister paused before he spoke, to give the impact of their words time to sink in. Then, he lifted his head, looked at the couple before him and spoke.
“After hearing your unprompted and touching words of love for each other, I see no reason why you shouldn’t now consider yourselves life’s partners in the eyes of God. You have my blessing and best wishes for a long and loving relationship. Will you please turn and face those assembled, so they may also greet you as such.”
As we turned around, I saw even more teary-eyed people than before, as those in attendance clapped enthusiastically for this newly joined couple. A few seconds later, Dion and Trey realized it was time for the next couple to enter the spotlight, so they hugged and kissed, before they moved to take their seats in the front pew, next to Danny and Brandon.
“I now ask who stands with these next two men?” the minister asked.
“I, Steven Shay, stand with my son, Alvin Rydell-Shay, so he can be joined with the person who fulfills his every desire and makes his heart soar,” Steve announced, after he walked Vinnie to the altar.
“And I, Joshua Currie, give my son, Kevin Currie, to be joined, with the person who has filled a deep void and brought happiness into his life,” I stated, once we reached the altar and Kevin was standing next to Vinnie.
“Does anyone here object to this joining? Speak now or forever remain silent,” the pastor stated again, but still no one responded to his statement.
“Alvin, better known to all of you as Vinnie, will begin this time,” the pastor explained.
“Kevin, you have loved and helped me in so many ways for a very long time,” Vinnie said. “You saw past my disability and discovered the real me, while never ignoring my needs. You volunteered to join me when I did the exercises I must do to strengthen my body and have never wavered nor complained. You have loved me, even when I’ve acted foolishly, and you’ve been patient with me when I was impatient with you. I promise to always love you deeply and will remain by your side, as I happily join you as your life’s partner.”
“Vinnie, you came along after I had suffered through many devastating events. During the time we have been together, you have supported and loved me, even after I made a very dumb and foolish mistake. Even though your body may not be as strong and as perfect as you’d like, you have never let it define who you are or permitted it to limit what you can achieve. You are truly a person who can accomplish whatever he sets his mind to. You are a loving and considerate individual, and I can think of no one else I’d rather have for a life’s partner than the wonderful and loving person standing next to me now.
Once more, the minister paused before he spoke, to allow their words time to sink in. Then, he lifted his head, looked at the couple before him and spoke.
“After hearing your unprompted and touching words of love for each other, I see no reason why you shouldn’t now consider yourselves life’s partners in the eyes of God. You have my blessing and best wishes for a long and loving relationship. Will you please turn and face those assembled, so they may also greet you as such.”
As we turned around, it looked like a professional crying fest. I saw tears everywhere, as they clapped for this newly joined couple, but we had one final ceremony to perform. After Kevin and Vinnie had a chance to hug and kiss, they moved to the front pew on the other side of the church. We were now ready for the final couple.
“Once again, I ask who stands with these next two men?” the minister asked.
“I, Jacob McCarthy, stand with my son, Shannon McCarthy, so he can be joined with his true love, the young man I now consider to be my second son,” Jake announced, stunning everyone. Even Shannon and Nick just stood gawking at him as he made this announcement, by which he let them know he had finally put all of his reservations aside and accepted them unconditionally.
“And I, Michael Lawrence, give my son, Nicholas Lawrence, to be joined, with the one person who has been able to tame my son and fill him with the love and understanding he has long sought after,” Mike stated, once Nick and he reached the altar, so Nick was standing next to Shannon. Nick and Shannon also gave him a strange look, because I don’t think either of them expected his ‘taming’ comment.
“Does anyone here object to this joining? Speak now or forever remain silent,” the pastor stated one final time, but again there were no takers.
“Shannon, will you now begin?” the pastor asked.
“I am happy to finally be standing here,” Shannon stated, in a clear and forceful voice, “in front of all of our loved ones and in the presence of God, to express my deep and undying love for this man. I vow that my love will never waver or stray and I shall love Nick always. I am grateful to know and will never doubt that he loves me, as much as I love him.” After a few seconds delay, Nick began to offer his vow.
“There was a time in my life when I would never have made a commitment such as this,” Nick admitted, “but since I have found you, all of that has changed. I know I have made many, many foolish mistakes, but I have learned from them and changed my ways. That is why I can now promise I will stay with you and love you always. I shall care for you more than I care for myself and shall always remain faithful and be by your side.”
For the final time, the minister paused before he spoke. Then, he lifted his head, looked at the couple before him and addressed them.
“After hearing your unprompted and touching words of love for each other, I see no reason why you shouldn’t now consider yourselves life’s partners in the eyes of God. You have my blessing and best wishes for a long and loving relationship. Will you please turn and face those assembled, so they may also greet you as such.”
After hugging and kissing, to seal their vows, the pair turned around to face the crowd and receive their applause of support. As I glanced around at those in attendance, I saw smiles and tears, but primarily I felt the love that poured out from them to these eight young men who had just pledged themselves to one another. It was a touching and very moving moment.
After a brief delay, to give everyone a chance to quiet down again, the minister spoke. “I have officiated over many services during my time as pastor here, although I have never taken part in so many at one time. I also don’t remember a time when I’ve been surrounded by so much love and support, not only from the couples themselves, but also from their friends and families. I am convinced of their sincerity and foresee each of these couples remaining together, for many years to come.
“Before you leave, there is one final duty to be performed,” the pastor continued. “Mr. Currie has asked to address the couples before we conclude this service, so I will now ask him to please step forward.” I did and was now looking into the faces of the eight young men I have grown to know and love so deeply.
“Each of you has been with me for the past several years and I have watched you grow and develop into the fine and mature young men we see here today,” I began. “You have not only confessed your love for each other this afternoon, but I have also heard you do this many times in the past and know your love is true and lasting. Before we leave here, though, I have something more to ask of you.” I paused briefly, to let them wonder what I was going to say next.
“I am going to ask each of you to promise that every morning when you awake, you will ask yourselves what you can do that particular day to show your love and fulfill your partner’s needs. Never take your love for granted or leave your feelings unspoken. Instead, every day I ask that you do whatever you can to prove your love for one another.
“As each of you has sworn his undying love for his beloved, we have witnessed two fantastic individuals being joined as one devoted couple. From this day forward, you must only think of yourself in this manner – a single, loving couple. You have bound yourselves to a caring relationship, filled with love. You have, through this process, become a new loving family. You must always think of yourselves as one loving and committed couple and always put your partner’s needs ahead of your own. I ask that you never forget this and urge you to always act in a way that will cause your love to endure and your hearts to go on.”
Now that the ceremony had concluded, we hugged and congratulated each of the couples, before getting in our cars and heading to our place to celebrate further.
The caterer was just finishing setting up when we arrived, so everything was set. Once all of our guests arrived, we opened the buffet line and allowed the four couples to go through the buffet line first and get what they wanted. Once they were taken care of, the rest of us did the same. Soon, we were all seated and filling our bellies, while happily conversing with each other.
When we had finished eating and had thrown the trash away, we called the couples up to cut the cakes. We had two large sheet cakes and each had the names of two of the couples, plus the word ‘Congratulations.’ The first was for Danny-Brandon and Kevin-Vinnie, while the second was for Shannon-Nick and Dion-Trey. We let each couple cut the first pieces from their own cake, each from their particular side of the cake, and serve it to each other. Once they had done this, Jake and I cut up the rest of the cakes up and put it out, so the guests could take a slice as well.
The party continued into the evening and Dustin had taken it upon himself to set up a sound system, so we would have music. He also made sure the driveway was cleared of vehicles and other obstacles, so those that wished to dance could. Dustin began by playing Lionel Richie’s ‘Endless Love,’ and as the beautiful lyrics filled the hushed night, the four couples moved onto the driveway and began to dance, as they listened to the lovely lyrics.
My love There's only you in my life The only thing that's right
My first love You're every breath that I take You're every step I make
And I I want to share All my love with you No one else will do And your eyes They tell me how much you care Oh, yes you will always be My endless love Two hearts Two hearts that beat as one Our lives had just begun Forever I'll hold you close in my arms I can't resist your charms And love I'll be a fool for you I'm sure You know I don't mind You know I don't mind
'Cause you You mean the world to me Oh, I know I know I found in you My endless love
Oh And love I'll be that fool for you I'm sure You know I don't mind You know I don't mind And yes You'll be the only one 'Cause no one can't deny This love I have inside And I'll give it all to you My love My endless love...
Throughout the remainder of the evening, many more songs were played and many of us danced. We each also spent time chatting with the various couples, so we could congratulate them and extend our wishes that they have a long and happy life together. The party continued until well after midnight, since I think nearly everyone in attendance had taken Monday off from work, as a travel day or just to have time to recuperate. It was a truly wonderful and remarkable day.
I do believe some lovemaking took place in the various rooms, once the party ended, but I won’t try to bore you with all the details. Let it suffice to say that each couple happily consummated their vows and began their life as one.
The next day progressed in slow motion, since we were all so emotionally drained and physically exhausted. Over the course of the day all the various ‘guests’ began to leave, but each had their own parting comment.
“I think that was even more beautiful than our wedding,” Andrea told me, before she and Michael left.
“You know, Dad. I still can’t say I totally understand it,” Michael added, “but it is plain to see that they all really do love one another.” I thanked him for his kind words and understood how far he had come and how much it had taken for him to share that with me.
“Dad, that was simply beautiful and I’m so glad the boys let us come share these wonderful moments with them,” Marie told me.
“And I’ve learned a lot too,” Adrian added. “I see it really is possible for two guys to love each other as deeply as I love Marie.” Once again, I knew it took a great deal for Adrian to share that as well and was a sign of how far Michael and he had come.
The O’Haras and Lawrences thanked us for taking care of the arrangements and setting everything up, before they explained how much they had enjoyed being part of it. They each said their sons were lucky to be spending the rest of their lives with one of my sons and they looked forward to being part of our family too. Jake and the Lawrence had a great time together, as they had gotten to know each other better and formed their own bonds of friendship.
Before long, everyone had left to return home and the rest of our day was quiet. The boys, Jake and I used some of the time to clean up from the party and started putting things back in order, but most of the time was just for relaxing.
Ever since we woke up that morning, I think we all had more energy and were feeling great about ourselves. We were still taking it easy when the phone rang.
“Hi, Dad,” the caller began.
“Hi, honey,” I answered, recognizing Elizabeth’s voice. I figured she was calling to congratulate the various boys.
“You have a new grandson,” she announced, catching me off guard.
“You had the baby?” I asked. I’m not sure if I meant it to be rhetorical, but it was a rather foolish question, under the circumstances. “There’s been so much going on here that I’d forgotten you were due.”
“Dad, you mean you’ve forgotten about me?” she teased. “Anyway, we’re going to name him Lucas. He was seven-pounds, ten ounces, twenty inches long and born a little after 2:00 this morning.”
“And he’s healthy?” I pressed.
“Very,” she confirmed, “and he can’t wait to meet his papa.”
“And his papa can’t wait to meet him,” I responded.
I knew they would be coming to join us for part of our vacation, so it meant I would be seeing them before too much longer. I congratulated her and Tim and then let her speak with the couples.
My, my, this truly has been a wonderful month and filled with many blessings.