My new dad-in-law wrote this. He should write books. Well, it's a done deal.
Dj and I are proud to announce a new daughter: Jana Sanderson. (First time I've written or said that name, will take a little getting used to.)
The wedding went off beautifully at Canebrake Country Club in Hattiesburg. The unique and moving service was held under a big white tent on a veranda overlooking a lake with fountains. And Bennett surprised Jana completely by singing a song to her in the middle of the ceremony. The look on her face was priceless--she expected someone else to sing it, so when the preacher handed Bennett a mike she looked quite confused and shocked.
I must say we felt like big dogs riding on Jana's family's coat-tails. We had the rehearsal supper at a beautiful lodge out in the woods of Ellisville owned by her Uncle Jay Fenton. You can't believe how pretty a place it is--in fact, I don't think I know of a home around Houston as nice as the lodge at Adventure Lake. And the Canebrake is like a castle among a community of mansions. Tomorrow Bennett and Jana go to Gatlinburg to stay in a "cabin" owned by another uncle. I've seen pictures of it on the web and it's another elaborate and beautiful setting. It's gonna be tough on them to return to the reality of poverty (hehe).
Among others, Miriam and Todd were attendants and Sandy was the flower girl. Emma went in with Dj and I and sat with us. All five of my girls (including Dj and Jana) looked just stunning. After they had taken their positions, Bennett had me read some scripture regarding love, marriage, and family. Then the preacher surprised them by detailing much of their meeting and courtship. He brought several chuckles and a few tears with his comments of their dedication to each other and to the Lord and His work. I guess what made the ceremony so unique is really the fact that it was based on such an old-time traditional exchange of real vows and a serious worship service done in a relaxed and modern way. It was a very intimate and worshipful time.
Jana drew a chuckle, too. After the preacher gave Bennett permission to kiss his bride and he had done so with appropriate gusto, there was a moment's hesitation before Jana returned for another kiss. It was so spontaneous and beautiful and just made everyone more aware than ever of the love they share. If those two weren't designed for each other then no couple ever was.
Please pardon my rambling, but I'm just mighty proud of my son and my new daughter and I wanted to share some of my excitement with other folks I love. Oh, and as they were leaving for their honeymoon, a pretty impressive fireworks show was set off in front of the Club--a nice finale to a wonderful evening.
Bobby
