A Wedding in Austin
by Elise Winters
Chris and I met a few years ago, and although I informed him early on that we would probably just be friends (he practically anesthetized me on our second date with a long-format seminar on his college friends), the universe had other plans. His warmth, authenticity, perseverance, and ... Apple subscription (many episodes of Schmigadoon) also contributed.
Chris is one of the kindest people I have ever met. His love and steadfast support have changed me in many ways. Among other things, I was drawn to do something I had never done before. We got married November 15, 2026 in the countryside near Lockhart, Texas.
At the heart of this wedding I discovered so many things I'd never glimpsed before. The word doesn't begin to capture the experience of entering an enchanted wonderland in which the world held still and a thousand bonds of friendship became visible, shimmering brightly, reaching into everyone present and showing us something about ourselves that is often trampled beneath the stress of the everyday.
I found myself surrounded by my "found" family — my birth family whom I met just 20 years ago. I always imagined that these new relationships — as cherished as they were — might slip away at any moment. I discovered that it was time to let go of these fears. I felt profoundly held in the arms of love. My heart was blown open.
Thank you to all my Kaleidoscopes teacher friends who have helped me to create magic with children all these years. As we have shared our hearts together, I know that it has helped each of us to tend our own spirits. Please enjoy this little glimpse into my intense and beautiful moment. May all of our life's endeavors be filled with many such moments of magic.
