Mazel Tov!

Yesterday, my step-daughter Michaela married Mr. Corey McKee in a lovely outdoor ceremony.

Although she was raised a Reform Jew, it was a largely secular ceremony. There were some nice nods to the Jewish traditions, though.

In particular, Michaela’s father gave one of the traditional blessings in Hebrew. He then blessed a glass of wine, which the couple drank before Corey crushed the glass underfoot.

Well, he actually smashed a lightbulb, both because it gives an extra little “pop”, and because glasses aren’t cheap.

And Francine doesn’t lose a daughter – she gains a son-in-law and a granddaughter.

Let that sink in a moment. I’m suddenly a grandfather to Corey’s eight-year old daughter Zaidon. I’d be feeling pretty old right now, but fortunately, Zaidon’s a real charmer, so I can overlook the instant aging.

There was a large crew of friend and family volunteers involved in the wedding – indeed Pistachio House had been full of people on and off for a week.

We set up, we tore down, and in between we celebrated a lovely wedding.

Tristan and Victoria even managed to make it at the very end of the reception. They had been working WorldCon in Spokane – something they’d planned for over a year. Since Victoria was actually in charge of the registration desk there, they couldn’t just leave early.

I’m very glad they made it. Most everyone from all sides of our complicated family tree was there.

Congratulations to Corey and Michaela! Mazel tov!