A couple weeks ago, I had the great honor to travel to Poznan, Poland to attend my brother’s and sister-in-law’s wedding. If a typical European vacation could compare to a 5 year courtship, I did the speed dating version. It was a four day round-trip that included about 50 hours of planes and airports, maybe 6 hours total sleep, 36 hours of traditional Polish wedding celebrations, more beer, vodka and sausage than I had collectively consumed in the last year, and as much quality time as I could manage with family I don’t get to see often enough.
The ceremony was beautiful; simple and traditional and a perfect reflection of Ala’s (sister-in-law) style and personality. The script was well planned to be inclusive of both English only and Polish only speaking attendees, yet had a natural fluidity enhanced by the very personable first-timer-officient. The reception hall was a picturesque, rustic-chic, raw-wood rotunda with so much character and authentic charm; a space that could never be truly emulated in the states. The party kicked off with a few Polish traditions, including a vodka toast that set the pace for the singing, dancing, drinking and eating that ensued until the sun came up the next morning.
By about 5 am, things settled down for a couple hours and then family and close friends were invited to breakfast from 9 to 11, followed by lunch and more drinking and celebrating.
I had intended to take it easy on this second day of consumption, try to fly under the radar so to speak, so I could fly home the next morning without a hangover. But then my brother Josh, the groom, presented us with a challenge; in spite of his new mother-in-law’s accurate estimate of number of bottles of local beer to purchase for the wedding, Josh bought a significant number more cases and was now about to eat crow for his over estimate. Big brother, little brother, cousin and high school friend couldn’t let that happen so we set up a couple tables and spent the afternoon playing an intercultural game of flipcup until we put a dent in the leftover brews. It’s amazing how language barriers can disappear and family ties can be drawn so tightly with a few paper cups and some beer to fill them. There was a lot of love in that room and we had a great time.
The next morning, I had a bittersweet breakfast with some of my family before we all split off to different parts of the world; California, Kansas, Florida, Mexico, Okinawa, remain in Poland… so nice to get to spend a couple days with my closest family and sad that we won’t likely get to all be together again for several years.
As I sit and reflect on this whirlwind trip, I am filled with pride for my family. I am proud to officially call my Polish friends, Mamo and Marek who I met two years ago when I came to Poland for training with NATO for the deployment and they came to visit me and take me in as their own, Family. I am proud of my parents as they navigate redefining their careers and life goals in their 60s. I am proud of my brother for sticking out his career with the Army until retirement no matter how much it sucks. I am proud of my baby sister for wrangling up a household of two kids under 4 and a dog and ship off to Japan for a three year assignment and fully embracing the adventure. I am proud of Josh’s high school friend who always wanted to be a fireman and after years of hard work and dedication he is finally living his dream. I am proud of my cousin who committed to the notion that 10-12 hour work days just to pay for a house and fill it with stuff isn’t really living, and has figured out how to travel the world and truly live in some amazing and exotic places while sharing the ‘come-what-may’ experiences with someone he loves. And mostly, I am proud of my brother Josh. I may not be able to fully or accurately describe it here, but I sensed the sacrifice and dedication he had, and will continue to have, for his bride Ala was at a level that is inspiring. It was evident how hard he worked to make sure she had the wedding she wanted, and how hard she worked to make it what she wanted. The beauty of the whole thing was that what they both wanted wasn’t lavish and showy like many “the bride’s perfect day” weddings I have attended, it was all about serving the guests and making everyone feel like family. I am proud to be a part of that family. 
What an awesome and articulate article describing the wedding in Poland. I remember thinking to myself on our journey back to the states, “how could I possibly explain what we just experienced in Poland” and you did it so well. I too am proud of Josh as I know how hard he worked to make it all happen for his beautiful bride. I also am so very proud of you “Bub”. What an awesome man, father and person you have become. Your discipline with your workouts and races amazes me. Proud to call you my son.
What a great recap of the Poland experience. Just reading your post brought back all those wonderful feelings of love and family. Isn’t it awesome that our family extends around the world!
I am so proud of this family! All I ever hoped and prayed for was that our children would make the world a better, more loving place, and that’s just what they all do. So proud of you, Chris. I have always looked up to you and you never disappoint!