Pre-Wedding Jitters for Solo-Dad

Who me? Nervous?

It’s a happy time around the Solo-Dad Beach Bungalow.  On Saturday, my son Benjamin will marry his fiancee at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California.

Jumping for Joy

Last night Ben invited his groomsmen (LE is one and is excited to be hanging out with both brothers) to join him at Sky High Sports in Santa Clara for a last minute romp on trampolines, several rather competitive sessions of dodge-ball (also on trampolines), and catching air while free-falling into pits filled with huge foam chunks.

It was fun just watching the younger guys bounce all over the place.  I was the ‘designated watcher’ of wallets, iPhones, Blackberries, and iPods.  My boys, it seems, are as techno-gadgeted as possible.

I also got a kick out of watching my son-in-law, David (who just graduated with his MBA in Finance from San Jose State University and will be commissioned in the USAF as a 2nd Lieutenant next month) play with the lads.

To say that David is competitive would be a gross understatement. He attacked the dodge-ball game with as much seriousness as he did his military training.  (Note to self: always be nice to David. )

Just the Lads

LE and I met Jeremy (my step-son, LE’s half-brother, and Ben’s Best Man) at the Cal Train station in San Jose and then went to pick up our tuxedos. After our night at Sky High, Jeremy came back to Aptos with us to spend the night.

We got home around 11:00pm and sat up until 1:00am talking and laughing.

This afternoon we’ll all gather at the Mountain Winery for a rehearsal followed by the dinner hosted by yours truly. Dinner for 50 should be exciting and if affords me a small slice of the spotlight for a special purpose.

Briefly In the Spotlight

Not a stranger to public speaking, I’ve been looking forward to this evening and my opportunity to share my thoughts about Ben with those gathered at the rehearsal dinner and to offer a toast for him and Crystal.

My toast is about two type-written pages and should last about 10 minutes.  I think I’ve found a way to condense 21 years of being Ben’s dad into a brief exposition of my love and respect for the young man I am proud to call my son. (I’ll post my remarks here on the blog after the night is over.)

I hope I can make it through without crying but I’m not holding out much hope there.  I cried when I wrote it, have cried each time I’ve rehearsed, and no doubt, will cry a bit when I speak.

Ah well, it’s my nature.