Our daughter Jody's wedding day was about as perfect as it could get.  I don't know when I've seen her more radiant or happier.  I squeezed myself into Spanx and Wayne donned a tuxedo to escort his little girl down the aisle.  The wedding took place on the beach with the sun reflecting on the blue/green waters of Puget Sound.  And as it sometimes happens a small miracle took place.  As Jody and Greg exchanged their vows two eagles swooped down and circled overhead. 

My maiden name is the German word for eagle and Jody was named after my mother.  My mom and dad had showed up for the wedding.  And as the tears fell against my cheeks, I looked up and smiled.  For the first time in a long while I felt my parents’ presence on this special day far more than their absence.