An Ending and New Beginnings

If the quietness on this blog has been any indication, I haven't had a whole lot to say on here lately. My most recent test (fMRI of my pelvis and leg, focusing on the sciatic nerve) showed nothing, and the 8th medical person to try to help me with my pain is about to give up. I'm not quite sure what the next steps will be, but probably some deep tissue massage and hopefully a referral to a pain clinic.

With this newest setback, I've been reflecting a lot on my blog, it's purpose, and how it's been used. It was always meant to be a place to write about my running adventures, but it's been over 3 years since I've been able to do that with much regularity. I keep feeling guilty, almost, that I just can't hold up my end of the bargin - as much as I want to write about running, I'm writing about other things instead - weekend trips and food. Or, I'm complaining about the pain that my leg keeps causing - also not what I want to be doing on here.

So, I've made a somewhat hard, but definitely right, decision. For now, I'm going to give this blog a rest. Since I really enjoy writing a blog, I'm starting up a new one, which will be for the kinds of posts I've been writing lately - trips with Ed, cooking, and sometimes hiking (at http://adanded.blogspot.com/). I have no plans to delete this blog, though, because I would hate to lose all of these memories. I also have a hope that someday I'll be able to post on here again, with the original purpose of the blog in sight once again.

I hope that some of you might want to join me on my new blog, though no promises of long runs through the wilderness for now. Just everyday life.

Otherwise, I guess this is goodbye. I'll still be reading your blogs, so that I can live vicariously through all of you wonderful runners.

Hopefully I'll see you on the trails someday soon.

       - Addy

Injury Update

So, I had my follow up appointment with my physiatrist today, and had to report that there really wasn't any improvement. The one thing that does seem a bit better is the spot of nerve pain on the top of my foot seems to have improve, which is exciting. Of course, that is the one spot of pain that doesn't generally bother me - only when I touch it - but I'm still pleased to have something.

On the downside, this doctor is now out of of ideas for what he can do to me. So, I'm being sent off to a new doctor, this time a neurologist. I was honestly almost in tears when he told me that his only idea left would be to try to limit the pain with medication and exercise. Since that's what I've been doing the last 3 years with no success, this really isn't a good option. It's frustrating to have yet another medical professional tell me his is at a loss.

However, he did mention one thing that might have hope for me. Apparently there are Chronic Pain Centers, where they should hopefully be better trained to deal with my kind of pain. They can do something called a "Peripheral Nerve Block." The fact that my pain is a tingling/burning means it has to be a nerve thing, and since the nerves from the spine don't seem to be involved, it would make sense that the peripheral nerves are involved. They aren't trained at my center to do this kind of work, but maybe there's a slight hope. Downside is I'm concerned that my insurance won't cover it. That worries me, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. At the end of the day, it's worth a fairly substantial amount of money to me to not be in pain any more, so I'm open to it.

In much more lovely news, we had an amazing trip to Point Reyes! Pictures coming soon :)

On a Lighter Note...

Since I don't like having up a negative post for too long, here are some photos from recent activities that have been lots of fun. 

First up, a delicious dinner from last week. Ed tried a new sweet and spicy rub on our salmon, which featured brown sugar and cumin, and was probably the best salmon we've ever had at home. We also experimented wiht roasting slices of zucchini in the oven, which transformed it into amazingly sweet and tender bites. The mashed potatoes, unfortunately, were better in theory than in practice, as we tried a new kind of potato (white rose), that ended up being a bit gummy. Still, a beautiful looking and great tasting meal. 

Second, Ed and I went for a short but beautiful hike on Veteran's Day, since I had it off. We went up to Skyline Ridge, where we had one of those rare days where you could see right to the ocean, with nothing in your way. It was windy and cold, but great. I also got to try out a new purchase - a hiking skirt! It's made of the same material as hiking shorts, is waterproof and SPF up to 50, and it really comfy.  I liked it's longer length, and wicking waist :). 

Last, today is Ed's 30th birthday, and we celebrated with some homemade deliciousness. For dinner, we had roasted red pepper lasagne, a newer recipe I've been trying that is both healthy and tasty. I even roast my own bell peppers for it.

And, of course, what birthday would be complete without cake! This was a healthyish recipe that still tasted plenty decedant and delicious. 

We're now off to Stinson Beach tomorrow morning for Ed's birthday race - a 15ish mile race at Stinson Beach with PCTR. I'll be, unfortunately, bringing my laptop and working on lesson planning instead of enjoying the trails, but am looking forward to cheering him at the finish. Afterwards, we're up to Point Reyes, which should be lots of fun - neither of us have ever gone!

So, I moan and groan, but there are plenty of great things going on :)

Nada

*in all fairness of a warning, this post is generally a not so happy post, and probably not all that entertaining to read*

Unsurprisingly, the shot didn't work. It was, perhaps, a bit unrealistic to think that, after the other steroids I've tried, that this would be different. If anything, my leg has been a bit more sore lately. It might just be that I'm more conscious of the pain, since I had a small hope that it would get better, but it's been hard to get to sleep, lately, and it's just making me feel defeated.

So, onto another appointment. I'm not sure what we'll try next, I just hope the doctor doesn't give up. At this point, I think I need to stop thinking of this as an injury - it's just chronic pain. Maybe it started with a calf injury, but it seems impossible that over 3 years later, that injury is still in effect. I have another chronic pain issue that isn't connect to running, and I have wondered if somehow they're connected to each other. In any event, chronic pain sucks, and I'm worried that it will never go away.

However, with all of that, I am gearing up to start being active again. If this is just pain, not an injury, and it isn't going away, I need to suck it up and be active again, so that I can be healthy. I've already gotten back to eating healthier, and Ed and I are going for a hike tomorrow.

I think I need to figure out how to not let myself get (stay) down with this pain. These last few months, since I started back up with school, I think I've sort of let it overwhelm me and have felt a bit sorry for myself. Which, I know, has made for very entertaining postings. But, this is where I am.

And, if anyone knows of any exciting ways to deal with chronic pain, I'm all ears :)

Trying something a bit more aggressive

Thought I would take a moment to mention the current excitment with my leg - after an unsuccessful bout with both an anti-inflammatory and a nerve pain medication, plus a very healthy looking MRI, my new doctor suggested we try an epidural. Before this, I was really only aware of epidurals being used for giving birth, but apparently, this is a common diagnostic/treatment for leg and back pain. The idea was that if the epidural works (targeting the nerves that go down my left leg), then it will be doubly good - we'll have pinpointed where the pain is emanating from and I'll also hopefully have relief from the pain.

So, this morning, I took the day off work, and Ed drove me up to the surgicenter for my 6:30 am appointment. They were very insistent about not putting anything in your mouth after midnight, the night before the procedure - no food or drink, but also no brushing your teeth, gum, mints, etc. I was worried I would forget in my tired morning state, and found it very hard to leave the house with unpleasant morning breath and no hope of a remedy. At least all the other patients there were in the same boat :P.

Just after 6:30 I headed back to my prep room, where I got changed into the oh so attractive booties, gown and cap, and got an IV put in to keep me hydrated. Apparently I was thirsty, as my body was quickly downing my IV bag. Ed got to hang out with me until it was time for the main event, while I lounged in my "hospital bed" (though, apparently, this is a misnomer here, since this wasn't a hospital. In any event, it looked like the ones on tv :)).

Around 7:30, a new nurse wheeled me back to the procedure room, where I was laid on a metal table and hooked up to some new machines. They gave me a mild sedative "cocktail" which, honestly, didn't seem to do a whole lot. I still felt pretty coherent during the whole process. What was pretty cool about the procedure was that they were doing a live x-ray during it, to make sure the needle went into the right places in my spine, so I could see it as it was happening. It hurt  a bit, but I was expecting much worse - it was over before I knew it!

Afterwards, I got wheeled to recovery, where I had to sit for 30 minutes. And, that was that. Now my back and leg are hurting a decent amount, which is to be expected. I'm told it will be 2-7 days until I feel the positive effects, if it worked. Since the extra pain today is in the normal area, I'm feeling hopeful.

In an ironic coincidence, my mom was also donning a surgical gown today for a hip replacement, including also getting an epidural. I got to chat with her before she went in for her procedure and tell her about mine. Hopefully hers will be just as easy going!

Dick Collins Firetrails (My Husband's Race Report!)

This past weekend, my husband completed his first 50 mile race!!! I'm so proud of him for accomplishing this goal and doing such a great job. Happily, Ed offered to write up his own race report. So, here is the race from a new 50 mile runner's (and, fair warning, a weak stomached person's) perspective :). 

It was just over three years ago, when my (now) wife invited me to crew for her as she ran her first 50 mile race at Dick Collins Firetrails. We watched “A Race for the Soul” for motivation the night before; then I cheered as she ran off into the dark wilderness. I took a nice hour long nap in my car before spending the next 11 hours driving through the beautiful east bay mountains (which was my first time in this area), refilling her water bottles, and doing my best to lift her spirits. At then end, I yelled “go Addy!” as loud as I could, and she crossed the finish line with a smile on her beautiful face. I was so proud and had a crazy thought in my mind – “Could I ever do this?”

Three years and many races later (including four 50 km races, three marathons, five 30 km races, and three half marathons), I was back at Dick Collins Firetrails, only now I was entering into the dark wilderness (okay, a paved lake trail) as my wife cheered and headed back to the car for a quick nap.

I knew I was physically ready for 50 miles, but what I didn’t know was how everything else would hold up. It would be an emotional journey that is still churning in my mind.

The first few miles were filled with excitement. I started off in the middle of the pack, trying to slow myself down for the first half of the race, knowing I’d pay the price if I didn’t. I overhead a conversation right behind me – “Yeah, I reread Addy’s blog” as another remarked, “Her husband is running the race.” This definitely put a smile on my face.

I couldn’t believe it as I started going up the first hill, EVERYONE was walking - a marked difference from my shorter races where I tend to stay toward the front of the pack and push up hills most of the race. This really helped convince me that it’s okay to take it easy. I constantly looked behind to take in the gorgeous sunrise on this perfect day.

The next 12 miles were great – I settled into a good pace, although I was worried that I was going a bit too fast. I knew this part of the race the best and there were plenty of other people around to keep from getting bored.

Once I got up to Skyline Gate at mile 15, Adelyn was there waiting for me.

I promised to slow down the pace, she refilled my water and gatorade, and I was on my way. From Skyline Gate to Sibley Park, it was pretty much the same feeling. I started passing people, but tried to slow down and just enjoy the scenery. I entered the Sibley aid station and what a surprise! Adelyn was there to greet me once again. Just after me came a huge group of runners. I didn’t stay long and headed off. 

Eventually, the Golden Hills Marathoners started coming from the other direction (including Leor Pantilat on route to his course setting day) as well as the Firetrails frontrunners (including Dave Mackey on route to his own amazing race). The views going along the ridge were amazing!

Last year, when I ran the Golden Hills Marathon, it was completely foggy in this area. Finally, I arrived at the Lone Oak aid station, knowing that I was over half way done.

At this point, this first signs of fatigue started. I was around a 9 hour pace and Adelyn reminded me that this section going up hill is not as bad as it seemed, but to keep it slow. I was able to run a good portion of this climb, but it definitely started to take its toll on me. It seemed to take forever and my pace got slower and slower.

However, reentering the shade again revived me and I cruised into Skyline Gate (mile 37) feeling great. Yes, I can do it! 13 miles – and there’s only a couple more hills. However, this is when everything started falling apart.

I took it nice and easy through Redwood Regional Park, but my stomach kept getting queasier and queasier. By the time I reached Big Bear Staging Area, Adelyn was yet again waiting for me. I had to sit down for a few minutes. I hydrated myself well all day, took in plenty of salt, and never felt deficient on calories. But yet there I was, 8.5 miles from the end and the nausea was overwhelming. I walked up the last big hill, but it didn’t take too long before I had to go to the side of the trail and vomit. At least it’s out of my system, and now I can finish the race, right? Wrong! The nausea just got worse.

I ran a little and made it to Bort Meadows where I sat down again being helped by the amazing volunteers. I forced myself to get up, but as soon as I did, I felt like vomiting again. I started walking back to my chair, but knew that it wasn’t a smart idea. The volunteer asked if this was my first 50 miler (is it that apparent?), and he said this is just part of the territory. That actually helped. The fact that I went 40 miles + without any real problems is pretty darn good. I got up and walked. Even though I vomited a couple more times, the nausea never subsided. My 9:30 goal vanished and I thought maybe I could get 10 hours if I was able to run the last few miles. But that didn’t happen  - I tried jogging a bit with no avail.

Finally, I saw the finish and ran the last half mile, even doing a little sprint to the end.

I saw my time, 10 hours, 22 minutes, and laid down on the ground. Adelyn came over to congratulate me and brought the chair, but all I could think about was throwing up. I couldn’t reflect on my incredible journey, enjoy the amazing bbq, or converse with fellow runners. However, I did manage to make it to the restroom nearby and probably scare a few more people with my wretched sounds. Adelyn got the car and we drove home. I tried sleeping most of the ride home (what do you know – 50 miles actually makes you sleepy) and managed to eat some chicken broth at home.

The post race feeling the next day was very different from my other races. My legs actually weren’t sore at all – just a little pain in the bottom of the foot and my 2 big toe nails. I didn’t have a headache or feel dehydrated. On Monday is when I really started reflecting on the race. I felt sad the entire day. I was disappointed in my performance, but at the same time I really enjoyed the experience. Despite the not so successful finish, I was actually anticipating the chance to redeem my performance next year. If only I paced myself better, if only I had a better nutrition strategy… Adelyn really helped me appreciate what I had accomplished. I COMPLETED 50 miles, still qualified for Western States, did not injure myself, and still feel hungry for more.

There is something special about that course and I wish I could do it again in a week instead of next year. It’s been a long journey the last 3 years. I once pondered whether it was even conceivable that I run 50 miles and now it is a reality. 

Extremes

Today, I went for a run. Just 2 miles, and I don't necessarily feel great abut it. I've long known that I seem to live in extremes - either I am one thing or I am the other. I'm not good with shades of gray. This is true with running, eating healthy, even writing in my blog, it seems. And, stemming off of this, once I'm in "off" mode, I seem to get paralized sometimes - and it's so hard to get back to the "good" side of things.  I sometimes wonder if my difficulty to "switch" has to do with the fact that I really struggle with change. I find it much easier to let myself stay stuck - even when it's detrimental to me.

Slipping on my somewhat snug running clothes (because bad habits definitely produce results), I felt nervous about trying to switch back to healthy me. Ed was out doing a pre-run so that he could run my small distance with me, and, as I waited, I wondered if I was ready to try to go back to this. If it would work - and if I would be able to make myself run again tomorrow and this weekend. Can I really switch back to on?

I'm still not sure that I have an answer to that - the run was hard and I felt achy and tight. But, maybe it will get better.

I have emailed my doctor to set up an appointment about my leg, but I don't really have much in the way of hope yet. We'll see.

Thanks to those lovely few who are still reading, even though it seems like I'm continuing to write the same messages every few months. Hopefully change will eventually arrive.

Squaw Valley

I've definitely been feeling unmotivated the last few weeks. Two weekends ago, I went on a hard, difficult 12 miler, and for the next week, limped a bit due to my bad leg. I've suddenly remembered that teaching really makes my leg act up (something about the 6-8 hours of standing a day), and now it suddently makes sense why running was going better over the summer (no teaching). Needless to say, those marathon dreams seem far away now. I'll admit, I've had a bit of a pity party for myself - almost 3 years since my leg first started hurting, and, even now, I'm still feeling it. Nothing to do, though - though I have thought about trying for a new doctor again, but I just don't have much hope left.

I did have a nice run tuesday, only 3 miles, and it left my leg pretty uncomfortable, but not too bad. I also had a lovely "run" with Ed in Berkeley on Saturday, which was lots of fun - I love revisiting trails from college :). I even ran into Dave!

So, it's not all bad. Just in an adjustment period. Hopefully I'll be able to start running a bit more soon.

For now, here are some beautiful pictures from our Tahoe trip, when my dad, Ed and I hiked up at Squaw Valley.

Fun in Tahoe

Summer has flown by, and now it's ending has arrived. With the start of work officially Tuesday, I know my time is going to be seriously limited, so I've decided that the "Wedding recaps" aren't really necessary. It already seems like a long time ago, and I don't know that anyone besides me really wants and/or needs to see the many many more photos. I'm ready to go back to posting about running in beautiful places :). 

To kick off the return to writing about running, I wanted to recap our trip to Tahoe last week. Ed and I joined the rest of my family (save my brother in law, who had to work) to vacation near Tahoe City. While Ed had to work for much of it, we were still able to take some time to hit the trails together. 

Our first full day, I needed to run 7 miles (Ed needed 15, I think), so we decided to do mine together on the Tahoe Rim Trail. We parked in a lot by the Truckee river and headed off. Almost immediately, we were heading uphill and I recalled that I actually suck at dealing with altitude. We (and by we, I mean I) were immediately slowed to a walk, while I gasped for breath. 

Luckily, our efforts were soon rewarded with amazing views. 

Luckily it got a bit flatter after about 1/2 a mile, and we were able to run just a little bit. We were having to be careful picking up our feet, as it was pretty rocky, but it was worth it. I'll admit I felt pretty guilty making Ed go so slowly, but I was having a quite difficult time breathing in the thinner air (I think I had a touch of something as well). 

After about 2 miles, we turned around and headed back, since Ed wanted to check out the TRT in the other direction. 

Back at the viewpoint, we took a moment to take in the scenery one more time. 

Back at the river, we headed out the other direction another mile, and again, I was suffering as the flat turned to uphill. I couldn't bear to make Ed go so slow for that much longer, so I "released" him and ran an estimated extra mile to hit my total of 7. 

I got to enjoy a quiet mile along the bike path, taking in the river view. 

The Ceremony

(Before I go on with the Wedding Report, I did want to do a bit of reporting on the running front. For some reason (perhaps worldwide travel), I've been pretty tired this past week. As such, I only had one weekday run (a paltry 3 miler) and one weekend run (a 10 miler). 

Ed ran the 10 miler with me, which was lovely. It was on a paved pathway that goes by a reservoir south of San Francisco (Sawyer Trail). It was a beautiful day with perfect weather, but from about 3 1/2 onward, where my quad connects to my hip on the front was super tight. I felt a bit sick halfway through, after pushing up the big hill to the turn around point, so we rested for a little, and then headed back. I have to say that I was just hurting on this run. I haven't quite figured out why all my runs have been hard lately (ever since we left Mt. Tam, in fact), but I'm just trying to accept it, and have faith that it will eventually get easier. 

We did have a little excitement on the run though. Ed was running on the dirt to the side of the trail, when I saw something living right by hit foot.  "Careful!" I said. We went a few feet past, and then looked at what Ed came close to stepping on. It was a huge snake! At least 2 feet. I got a little closer (it wasn't coiled) to see what kind. I noticed the diamond shapes on its back, and, as it slithered down the hill, away from the trail, I could see it's rattle. Ed had almost come into contact with a rattlesnake! This is my first encounter with an adult one, and I'm glad that it was relatively friendly. Finally, we made it the 10, and I gratefully took a seat on a bench while Ed went out for 5 more. I'm glad that I was able to complete it, but it sure took a lot out of me. 

So far this week, I've been tired, but happy with my runs. I ran 3 miles Tuesday, and 5.6 miles Today. I've also been doing a dvd that Sarah recommended, "Pain Free Workout", which I've been doing every day since Monday. It's very relaxing and I'm enjoying it, and hopefully it'll help my leg :). Okay, onto the wedding!)

Walking up the aisle with my father, we chatted a little, though about what, I don't remember. I do remember having to ask a few times to slow down, as my dress was getting caught under me a bit and I didn't want to fall. As we approached the guests, I just remember being overwhelmed by just how happy everyone looked. I saw such beautiful smiles on everyone's faces, and I felt so happy with everyone's happiness. I had heard from other brides that the walk down the aisle is usually such a blur, but I think, especially with our aisle being so long, I had time to really look at all the guests. I remember sweeping my gaze back and forth, trying to see everyone, while also looking forward to see Ed. 

As we reached the front, my dad gave me a hug and kiss

And then Ed and I were together (as a side note, I absolutely love Ed's expression in this picture :))

Then, we both turned towards Jerome,

and he began the ceremony. 

For this part of the report, I'm going to let our actual ceremony words do a lot of the talking. Ed and I wrote our ceremony based on an excellent book, and were very happy to have this part of the wedding so crafted to our relationship. We even got to weave in our love of running and trails in the ceremony!

We are gathered here in this beautiful place

To witness the joining of Adelyn and Ed in marriage.

They have invited you here today

Because the growth of their love

Is connected to this place.

And, they wanted to share with you

The beauty of this mountain.

During their almost three years together,

They have come here on many days like this one,

And have run down the trails,

Through the meadows and the redwoods.

Their time spent in nature,

Traveling through the beauty you see here,

Has been a time of connectedness,

Of shared reverence for the world,

And a deepening respect

And love for one another.

It is this sense of timelessness and peace

That they wanted to share with you

On this, their wedding day.

As you look out over this vista

Please take a moment for reflection

To open your hearts and minds

To the love and togetherness

We are here to share

Through this ceremony.

Adelyn and Ed.

Today we have come together

To celebrate the love you have found with each other.

By being here with you,

Each of us is declaring our support

For your decision to join together in marriage.

(to guests)

As family and friends,

You form the community of support

That surrounds Adelyn and Ed.

Each of you, by your presence here today,

Is being called upon

To uphold them, in honoring and loving one another.

Always stand beside them and

Offer them your love and support.

Encourage them with your kindness and with loving hearts,

And honor this marriage

Into which they have come to be joined today.

At this time, Adelyn's mother, Debby,

would like to share some special words with you.

At this point, my mother came up and shared a beautiful essay, entitled, "The Art of Marriage." 

It was both beautiful and full of wonderful, loving advice. It was so special to have my mother involved in our ceremony is such a meaningful way. 

After my mother's reading, we continued on the with ceremony

Adelyn and Ed,

You have come here today

To surrender into the creation

Of something wholly new and transcendent-

Your precious, sacred, and unique marriage journey as husband and wife.

Today, you step into

A much fuller experience and expression

Of the mysteries and miracles of love.

Your precious, blessed union

Is lovely in its innocence,

 Mighty in its strength,

And abundant with possibilities.

It belongs to you both.

Over time you will give it an identity.

We wish for you the wisdom, strength of character, and creativity

To make this a happy marriage,

And a joyful journey to share. 

Ed and Adelyn,

please join hands and share your Wedding Vows.  

Something I didn't mention was that Ed and I memorized our vows. We both practiced hard, and felt confident in our ability to say our vows, and having them come from us was something we both felt strongly about. We did get a lot of positive remarks about how people were impressed with this, which was nice.

"Adelyn." Ed began. Unfortunately, those weren't the vows! After saying my name he stopped and smiled, and then we all laughed. He claims he didn't forget the vows, he was just making a dramatic pause. Thankfully, he soon began. 

I, Ed, take you, Adelyn, to be my wife,

my partner in life and my one true love.

I will cherish our union and love you more each day

than I did the day before.

I will trust you and respect you,

laugh with you and cry with you

I will love you faithfully through good times and bad,

Regardless of any obstacles we may face together.

I give you my hand,

my heart,

and my love,

from this day forward

for as long as we both shall live.

Then, it was my turn. However, I thought that there would be some kind of transitional prompt before I was supposed to start (we had practiced, but somehow I remembered it differently). I stood there smiling and waiting. Jerome, thinking I had forgotten my vows, prompted me,  "I, Adelyn..." Again we all laughed, and then I started my vows. 

I, Adelyn, take you, Ed, to be my husband,

my partner in life and my one true love.

I will cherish our union and love you more each day

than I did the day before.

I will trust you and respect you,

laugh with you and cry with you.

I will love you faithfully through good times and bad,

Regardless of any obstacles we may face together.

I give you my hand,

my heart,

and my love,

from this day forward

for as long as we both shall live.

We were through the hard part (or so I thought!)

May I have the rings please?

Wedding rings are symbolic reminders

Of deep and lasting love.

Within the safety and comfort of true marriage,

Love given freely

Has no beginning and no end.

May these rings always remind you            

Of the freedom and the power of your love.

Ed, place this ring on Adelyn's finger. 

Adelyn, with this ring,

I give you my promise

To love you,

To honor you,

To be faithful to you,

And to share my life with you

In every way

Always.

(Jerome) Adelyn, place this ring on Ed's finger. 

Now, here I should point out that during the rehearsal, we did not practice with rings. So, when it came to be my turn, as Jerome passed me the ring, I dropped it! Luckily, Jerome (and perhaps Bill?) quickly grabbed it, and with more laughs, we continued. 

Ed, with this ring,

I give you my promise

To love you,

To honor you,

To be faithful to you,

And to share my life with you

In every way

Always.

And then, we were in the home stretch!

Adelyn and Ed

On behalf of your loved ones

Who are here with you today,

I would like to mention some of the things

We wish for you:

First, we wish for you a love

That is rich and deep.

Powerful enough to inspire others

And to support you both

In bringing forth the best that is within you.

May you fully love one another

And cherish being loved by one another

Today, tomorrow and always.

Second, we wish for you the kind of home

That will be a sanctuary for you both,

A place of peace, freedom, vitality,

Growth, and humor.

And in this home,

We hope that you are blessed.

Finally, we wish that at the end of your lives

You will be able to look back and smile

Upon the life that you have shared together,

Pleased, satisfied, and fulfilled

Beyond your wildest dreams.

And now,

By the power vested in me by the State of California,

It is my great pleasure

To pronounce you husband and wife.

Ed and Adelyn

You may now kiss as husband and wife

For the first time.

Congratulations!