Today is my daughter Erin‘s wedding day. The best part is that she and Abe have a terrific relationship. They listen to, respect and admire each other. And they’re both a couple of big goofballs, which I particularly appreciate.
Happy Wedding Day to Erin and Abe!
Erin and Abe
Erin and her proud, happy dad (that would be me)
In honor of today, I would like to dedicate this piece from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran to Erin and Abe:
ON MARRIAGE
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.
Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
ABOUT PHIL BOLSTA
Phil is the author of Sixty Seconds: One Moment Changes Everything, a collection of 45 inspiring, life-changing stories from prominent people he interviewed, including Joan Borysenko, Deepak Chopra, geneticist Dr. Francis Collins, acclaimed sportswriter Frank Deford, Dr. Larry Dossey, Wayne Dyer, Dan Millman, Caroline Myss, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Dr. Dean Ornish, Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, Dr. Bernie Siegel, James Van Praagh, singer Billy Vera, Doreen Virtue, Neale Donald Walsch, and bassist Victor Wooten.
Here is a three-minute video that introduces you to Phil and his book. Click here to buy Sixty Seconds. Click here to ask Phil to add you to his e-mail list for updates on his blog and books.
Reading this book is like spending a few minutes face to face with each of the contributors and listening to their personal stories. Click here to read unsolicited testimonials from readers. Learn more by visiting the official Sixty Seconds website.
Sixty Seconds was one of three finalists in the General Interest/How-To category at the 12th annual Visionary Awards presented by COVR (Coalition of Visionary Resources) in Denver on June 27, 2009.
June 14, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Phil,
What a coincidence – my daugther Erin and her intended, Abe, are getting married today, too! I love the quote from The Prophet – wise words.
I look forward to all the days she and Abe are together, just as I cherish all that has come before.
Thanks for being a wonderful father to our daughter.
Love,
Kate
June 14, 2009 at 9:51 AM
And thank you for being a great mom to the best girl ever!
June 14, 2009 at 9:59 AM
Congratulations to your daughter and to your family. It’s a blessing for you to share this precious time with her as she transitions into the woman that you nurtured her to be!
June 14, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Thanks, ZSerenity! Erin is already there! She’s a mature and wise 30-year old woman. I’m very proud of her!
June 14, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Well first, you do not look old enough to have a daughter getitng married.. but then again, I’m told I do not look like someone’s grandma…..
CONGRATS to ALL!!!!! I know when my daughter got married 3 yrs this july , I was so proud… as I know you are….
Kudo’s to you and Kate for being Great Parents….
June 14, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Thanks, Martha! Yep, my lil’ bear cub just turned 30 twelve days ago!
July 8, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Beautiful! Congrats!
July 8, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Congratulations Phil! In a matter of time you’ll be a granddad, hehe…are you ready?
Kampai!
July 8, 2009 at 10:48 PM
You bet I’m ready, justcharrie!
July 8, 2009 at 10:53 PM
How wonderful……
Yep, next will be the grandchildren… Which are Truly AWESOME…
I have 4… Love it!!!
I would not trade parenthood, or grandparenthood for anything…..
Thank you for sharing the photos. I still swear you’re not old enough to have grown children.
Many Blessing to all of you!
July 8, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Thanks, Martha! Can’t wait for the grandcubs!
July 8, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Phil:
Huge congrats to you and Erin!!!
Dan
July 8, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Thanks, Dan! Great to hear from you!
July 8, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Congratulations! Love the words of the prophet — so true. We are celebrating our 25 year anniversary next week – couldn’t be happier.
July 8, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Love it! Thanks, Becky! Those are three great words: “Couldn’t be happier!”
July 9, 2009 at 1:17 AM
Congratulation Phil, She’s a beautiful bride. You look great too.
Love & Blessings to you and Erin
July 9, 2009 at 1:20 AM
Thanks, C.J.!
July 9, 2009 at 1:25 AM
You look so young next to her! How beautiful.
July 9, 2009 at 1:30 AM
Thanks, Rachel! Yes, my lil’ bear cub has grown into a beautiful young woman!
July 9, 2009 at 3:10 AM
Erin & Abe… May your DAY be BLESSED with ALL that IS GOOD in this WORLD. Congratulations Phil & Kate! Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with all us…
July 9, 2009 at 3:16 AM
Thanks you, Selina! I appreciate that!
July 9, 2009 at 3:35 AM
Phil and Kate, Erin and Abe,
Brightest Blessings!
Deb
July 9, 2009 at 3:40 AM
Thanks so much, Deb!
July 9, 2009 at 5:23 AM
How sweet are those pics!! When did you have her, when you were 12!! So glad you shared your wonderful day with us:) You rock brother!!!
July 9, 2009 at 5:28 AM
Thanks, Marci!
July 9, 2009 at 5:30 AM
Congratulations Phil they are a lovely couple, your daughter is very beautiful too! You two look like bestfriends. Wish you all the best. God bless.
July 9, 2009 at 5:36 AM
Thanks, Cesar!
July 9, 2009 at 8:00 AM
You and Kate were able to give Erin a precious gift–teaching her by example what unconditional love and respect for a spouse is all about.
Congratulations to all of you!
July 9, 2009 at 8:12 AM
Thanks, Deb!
July 9, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Phil, Erin, and Abe, congratulations to you all and may be first born be named Max (or Maxine) heheh.
And a redhead too, just I was in my younger days.
July 9, 2009 at 8:32 AM
Thanks, Max!
July 9, 2009 at 8:37 AM
Dear Phil & Kate –
Congratulations to my college mates! Looks like “Kate Jnr.” gave you a sweet new son-in-law.
My best wishes to all for much joy!
Nancy G.
July 9, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Thanks, Nancy! It was a perfect day!
July 9, 2009 at 8:39 AM
PS – I read that passage at the wedding of Mpls. friends years [decades] ago: It is LOVELY and WISE.
Nancy G.
July 9, 2009 at 8:40 AM
What a coincidence! Just like you!
July 9, 2009 at 8:44 AM
Phil,
Congratulations! You daughter is beautiful! And you look handsome too!
July 9, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Thank you, Yoke-Yin!
July 9, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Well… time does accelerate as we age, doesn’t it?? My heartfelt congrats to you and Kate, and of course to the lovely bride and handsome groom – (Our twin guys just turned 27 two days ago, yikes!)
Wonderful glowing pics ! All best wishes all around! Thanks for sharing!
Heaven give you many, many merry days! (as Shakespeare would say!)
July 9, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Time does indeed fly, Cheryl! Happy belated birthday to your twin guys!
July 9, 2009 at 12:07 PM
She’s lovely, Phil! Radiant, happy, and confident.
Good job, Pop!
July 9, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Thank you, Julia! Radiant is indeed the operative word!
July 9, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Phil,
You have every right to be proud. They are a lovely couple and lucky to have such a great Dad. Thanks for sharing!
Fran
July 9, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Thanks, Fran!
July 9, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Wow! How Beautiful You Are!
Congratulations Erin and Abe, and to you Dad. I can see the joy and love in your smiles.
Many blessings today and for many years to come!:-)
Truly,
Catherine
July 9, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Thanks so much, Catherine!
July 9, 2009 at 11:40 PM
The last time I saw Erin she was a baby – and so were you and Kate…and I!
Congrats to all you all and I’ll bet Abe knows he’s as lucky to be in your family as you are to be in his!
Val
July 9, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Great to hear from you, Val! Yes, seems like our college days were one or two lifetimes ago! Abe is a great guy and we’re thrilled to have him in the family!
July 10, 2009 at 1:23 AM
Thanks for sharing. They look 12 …but then everyone does to me these days [including you]
Congratulations Dad …nice work…she looks like a sweetheart.
July 10, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Thanks, Debi! She is indeed a sweetheart!
July 10, 2009 at 10:24 AM
yeah, congratulations!
May our Lord bless them abundantly.
Fondly Mimi (reader)
July 10, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Thank you, Mimi!
July 11, 2009 at 9:15 PM
You have been a great example for Erin and I’m sure she has attracted a wonderful man and extended your family. Many blessings.
July 11, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Abe is indeed a wonderful guy, Nancy! Thanks!
July 12, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Hmm. So sweet. Your wife’s even commenting in your own blog. lol
July 12, 2009 at 2:06 PM
Thanks, Michhan!
July 12, 2009 at 2:10 PM
But really, Mr. Phil. You don’t look that old to have a 30 yr old daughter. :)
Anyway, Congrats to your daughter. She’s gorgeous.
Hahaha. And to think that at first I thought she was still 7 today when you mentioned her in your Charice post. lol
July 12, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Nope, she’s all growed up, Micchan!
July 15, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Wow Phil, great blog post. It’s bittersweet to see your children get married. I have a 32 year old daughter who has been married for about 8 years. The best part are when the grandchildren come. You have much to look forward to. I’m sure you know that even when they are married they remain your precious children all of your life. Best wishes to you and your family.
July 15, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Thank you, Sue. Yes, I hope I get to experience the joy of grandcubs!
July 15, 2009 at 9:34 PM
The joy manifested by your “ear to ear” smile is so contagious. Just looking at the lovely daughter and daddy picture makes me smile with gladness too. Congratulations to the lovely couple and to both parents…who I think are real models to these young couple. God Bless!
July 15, 2009 at 9:48 PM
Thank you, Charlene! I am indeed a joyful daddy!
July 20, 2009 at 12:03 PM
My God, how time flies. It seems just yesterday, Erin was just a little child, now all grown up. Congratuations to Erin and Abe and to Phil.
Mike Jobes
July 20, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Thanks, Mike! And it seems like just yesterday that we were horsing around in Sherburne Hall at SCSU! How can that be more than 30 years ago?????
July 25, 2009 at 8:21 AM
i just got these! beautiful. just beautiful. thanks!
July 25, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Thanks so much, mzzlee!
July 31, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Thanks for sharing your joy. I think I can feel it
July 31, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Thanks so much, Jesme!
August 1, 2009 at 8:36 AM
Thank you for sharing this Phil.
It had me stop and lovingly reflect on my own marriage. The piece from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran is wonderful. My husband and I had it as a part of our marriage ceremony 4 wonderful years ago.
All the best to Erin and Abe and your entire family.
August 1, 2009 at 8:38 AM
Thank you, Frances! Congratulations on your own wedded bliss!
August 1, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Congratulations Phil and to your daughter and her husband. My son and his wife have been married 9 years now and have presented me with three beautiful grandsons. I thought motherhood was special, becoming a grandparent is fabulous. They were able to establish their lives before having children and have continued to manage the balance necessary for a happy marriage, jobs, and kids.
I wish the same success for your daughter and her husband.
August 1, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Thank you so much, Betty. I hope to have a grandcub soon myself! You are a lucky woman!
September 15, 2009 at 11:07 AM
They are definitely two peas in a corn stalk! (That’s a good thing, I think. :-)
September 15, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I like it! Very creative, Laura!
November 9, 2009 at 5:43 AM
Mr. Phil Bolsta,
Although I didn’t personally know you or your daughter, I would like to extend my best wishes and congratulations to both of you in this happy event.
I love Kahlil Gibran’s poems especially the one which tell something like this “your children are not your children…”. Sorry I forgot the rest, it was the only line I remembered from my second year high school days.
November 9, 2009 at 5:48 AM
Thank you for your kind wishes, Mel. And I see by a later comment that you did indeed find my post with the Kahlil Gibran poem you liked:
http://bolstablog.wordpress.com/2009/06/06/living-arrows/