F-I-L and Wedding Widower

I’m a father-in-law now.

Yesterday I walked my daughter Courtney down the aisle of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Olivette, Missouri. I gave her hand to Shawn Foote, who, a bit later, became her husband.

It was an enjoyable afternoon and early evening, even though the head usher (my first cousin Dan Krenning) arrived at Immanuel just as his back-up (and brother-in-law) escorted the Fair Stephanie into church. It wasn’t in any way Dan’s fault — as a commercial pilot, he was victim of a fire at Lambert Saint Louis Airport. However, he was there in time to dismiss people after the service, get his picture taken, and eat at the reception.

Younger daughter Laura was the maid of honor. She also sang “Two Candles,” accompanied by my brother Paul on the piano. I left after the reception so I could be back here in Emma to preach this morning and I hope that someone sends me some digital pictures soon.

My quick departure begins explanation of the second half of this post’s title: Today is Stephanie and my eighteenth wedding anniversary. I thank God that, barring extremely unusual circumstances, we won’t spend our whole anniversary day apart. The rest of the family (sans Courtney) are supposed to come back after this afternoon’s gift opening.

Finally, the Snyders wish a special happy anniversary to our friends Ted and Michele Cook of Pittsburg, Kansas. I stood up (or leaned on crutches) for Ted 23 years together today. Ted returned the favor, which, if you do the math, indicates that they spent much of their 5th anniversary at our wedding (also at Immanuel, Olivette).