And yes, it does seem like only yesterday that I delivered my oldest son and held him in my arms while tears of joy fell onto his tiny face.

That I delivered Ben (the obstetrician didn’t show because she was delivering another baby across town) made his birth even more momentous that is was destined to be.

A few weeks ago, that same little boy who now towers over me in stature as well as in gentleness, promised to love and cherish his beloved Crystal at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California.

I sat on the front row one chair away from his mother and next to Mike, her husband.  It was the second time we sat together in this situation.  Our daughter Bethany was married last July.

While her wedding was a tear-jerker of royal proportions for Solo-Dad, Ben’s wedding evoked a different kind of emotion.

It was pride in the man he’s turned out to be, pride in seeing my daughter (a bridesmaid) shed her own tears as she watched her younger brother take a bride.  Her expression was one of pure tenderness and I’ll never forget it.

My tears flowed once again. They reminded me of moments gone by and how rapidly time passes.  One minute we’re holding a tiny baby boy and in a moment’s time we’re comforting him after he strikes out in Little League baseball.

One minute I’m picking him up from an 8th grade dance at Junior High and the next I’m sitting in a chapel on top of a mountain watching this tall, slender, handsome young man walk away with his bride.

Ben and Crystal made this day special not only for themselves but for family as well.  I was able to see my step-son Jeremy as Best Man, Bethany Sara (pregnant and cute as a button) as a bridesmaid, and Little Elvis as a groomsman giving Jeremy a run for his money in the height department.

My parents were there as well though my mom was in a wheelchair.  Still the evening was magic and it’s one that I will never forget.

Some additional pictures are below.