I LOVE weddings! And we got to spend Saturday, March 14th at an unusual one located at a beautiful venue just north of Cape Town overlooking vineyards. My great nephew married the love of his life. Everything at their wedding was black and white—from the flowers to the candles to the guests’ attire. Even the dessert—a black wafer cone with white ice cream—remained true to the color scheme they’d chosen.
Of course, we all thought it was a bit strange being asked to dress only in black or white or a combination of the two colors, but once we were at the venue, we understood the reason for the bridal couple’s request.
Some of the tables had black tablecloths and black candles down the center, others a dividing row of beautiful white flowers — roses, tulips, daisies, lilies … Oh, it was all so beautiful and so much fun to hang out with my siblings and sons. That’s me, my sister, and our two brothers (the youngest now living in the UK) in the left photo. On the right, my two sons and their wives.
But what a difference a day makes!
Not even 24 hours later, everything changed to gray, gloom darkening our horizons as our president addressed the nation. In an instant, schools were set to close, gatherings of more than 100 people prohibited, and travel bans put into place. The bride and groom had to make the difficult decision to cancel their dream honeymoon in Bali. My 6-month pregnant niece who’d flown in from the UK for the wedding that Saturday morning, and whom we’d given a surprise baby shower on the Sunday afternoon, flew back to London the next day before she wasn’t able to get home, cutting her three-week holiday to only two days.
My own travel plans have changed, and I’ll now be in Cape Town for a month longer than originally planned, looking after the grandkids. School closure is due to end mid-April, but who knows how long I’ll need to stay here. As of midnight last night, our country has gone into a three-week lockdown, and who knows what will happen come April 16th. I can’t see COVID-19 going away any time soon.
I have to smile when I see posts about ways to cope with self-isolation. For me, and I’m sure most writers, it’s business as usual. I’m used to living life behind my computer with my characters to keep me company. And at least they aren’t infected (unless I want them to be for some or other reason).
In these dark days, let’s not forget that God has promised never to leave us or forsake us. There’s coming a time when a day will make a difference for the better, a day between coronavirus and no coronavirus. And a day when Jesus will wipe every tear from our eyes, when there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.
I hope this beautiful love song will help you remember that one day can make a difference.
And one day, it will!
I’m giving away a copy of my upcoming release, Accept Me (Chapel Cove Romances book 8) to one reader who comments on this post by April 3rd.
Many thanks to Marylin Furumasu for this wonderful graphic.
USA Today bestselling author, MARION UECKERMANN’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa and are setting their sights on retirement when they can join their family in the beautiful Cape.
Hi Marion! Thanks for sharing the wedding pictures. Starting day 15 of “sheltering in place.” So far our Michigan county has only had 11 confirmed cases – most cases are near our large metropolitan areas. Life has changed. Miss seeing the grandkids. Our youngest son arrived home safely yesterday evening from Texas. Lost his job, therefore can’t afford his apartment. While he has no virus symptoms he is quarantined for the next 5 days. Our community is coming together – store hours for seniors, delivery services for food and meds, and more. Social distancing is the new norm. Hadn’t seen my youngest son 5 months and couldn’t give a welcome home hug. What a difference a day makes. Best wishes. Stay safe and healthy.
Stay safe and healthy, too, Renate. We’re into day three of a total lockdown. It does seem to be making a difference. Yesterday we had drastically reduced new infection numbers (only 17) and today, none. Our death toll still stands at 1 (a 48-year-old woman from the neighboring suburb where I’m currently living with my son and grandkids). I pray this global crisis is soon a thing of the past and we all emerge better people for it.
Can’t wait to read this book!! It looks like all had a wonderful time at the wedding! I work from home, so this Covid19 isn’t affecting me too much! I’m still out and about as I have to be, but it’s not any more than usual, and actually a tad less. I didn’t go out that much, to begin with!
It was wonderful. Yep, I’m used to working at home alone, so not so different for me either, although I’m not used to having grandkids around anymore during my workday, so that’s an adjustment. Beta copy coming to you today :)
It’ll forever be one of those defining moments in our lives. Everyone will remember what they were doing when the isolation hit.
For sure, Laurie. Our world will emerge from this a very different place.
The wedding must have been so beautiful! I’m so glad for them that their wedding was that weekend and not the following.
Absolutely, Melynda. I’m just sorry for them that their honeymoon had to be cancelled and something local put into place at the last minute.
What fun the wedding must have been! I love it when the couple gives theirown creative touch to the festivities. And thank you for the reminder that there will be a day that will make all the difference in forever. Even so, Lord Jesus, come!
It was really unusual and beautiful, Lincoln. Yes, Maranatha!
Marion,
The looks like it was a beautiful time. My husband and I used to do wedding photography and we worked at one that was gray, black and white. They can be so elegant and classy.
I hope everyone goes out and gets your book! It’s a sweet book to read! Thanks for posting my graphic! BTW – I don’t need to be in the free book picking, I’ve already got them all!
It was really lovely, Marylin. My only regret is that I enjoyed the pre-reception snacks too much, and so I just couldn’t finish that steak that had my name on it :)
Glad you enjoyed Accept Me.