I guess I go back with Brandon about as far as anybody here other than his parents. I was asked to serve at his baptism, after having served at his parent’s wedding. Because his birthday is within a couple weeks of my daughter Madeleine's, we enjoyed celebrating these touchpoints together. He has always called me ‘Uncle’ Michael, an honor I take very seriously. Needless to say, it is a delight to be here for this occasion.
It has been a privilege to watch Brandon grow into the man we know today, within the environment of unconditional love Gary and Marilyn provided him. Though Brandon has enjoyed great success in a variety of pursuits, this love and esteem were never conditional on that success. His parents are lucky to have him – and he, them.
I have known Anna for a much shorter time – but I see in her much of that same confidence and self-assurance, as well as the kindness and empathy that are the result of a warm, nurturing upbringing.
I am delighted beyond description that Brandon and Anna have found one another - and am not surprised that each has chosen a healing vocation. It’s almost hard to imagine them in any other role. It is gratifying to know that, at the end of a challenging day helping mend the psyches of people who look to them for help—sharing generously from their resources of mind and heart—Brandon and Anna will have one another waiting at home to help them replenish and recharge for the next day.
Some people marry because they hope to find, in marriage, a partner who has the pieces they feel are missing in themselves.
As beautiful and poignant as this often is, what I see here are two complete, self-actualizing individuals, who have chosen to come together, not because something was missing, but because they simply love one another – and have found a union that is greater than its component members. They are strong enough to be gentle; confident enough to freely lend validation to one another; firm enough in their foundations to not need support, but stronger in the combination.
The world is a richer, kinder place because Brandon and Anna each exist – even more so because they have one another.
