Today our daughter is marrying — for the second time. She has found the love of her life in Clive Downie. I pray they will always be as happy and so obviously in love with one another as they are today.
The amber light for me as a father is the fact that Clive has been to the altar three times before. But lots of hard self analysis convinces him, and more importantly, my beloved Sarah Jenny, that this time is different.
Sarah is one if the most astute judges of character I know. If she’s convinced that, “this time is completely different,” then I desperately want to be too. I am.
Clive is wicked smart, very successful, a loving father to his two boys, and most importantly to me, loving, kind and considerate to Sarah.
Does it bother me that Clive is not Jewish? Much less than I would have thought. He is so very supportive of and interested in Sarah’s Jewishness and her determination that theirs will be a warm, loving Jewish home, and I am most impressed by that.
Sarah’s first husband is a Jew by birth, but the practices and traditions were not hallmarks in his life. So from a Jewish perspective, her marriage to Clive is a net gain
One thing is sure. I love my daughter with all my heart and soul. I hope she knows that whatever happens in her life I will always be there for her.
I also know nothing in life is certain or perfect. We each make the best deal with Life that we can based on knowledge available to us at the moment.
It is clear to me that Sarah is doing that, and she is not rushing rashly forward without hours, indeed years, of thoughtful process.
So on this, my daughter’s wedding day I embrace Clive wholeheartedly and trust that he and Sarah will cherish, love, support and protect one another— with all of their being— for the rest of their days.
As a father who so deeply loves his daughter, I cannot ask for more.
Follow me on Twitter: @rabbifuchs6
Finding Ourselves In The Bible 
No one but God really knows what our fate is or what lessons we are here to learn . I do know this,you love your daughter…and love is all there is.💜 I am humbled by your honesty.
LikeLike
Thanks.very much, Mindy!
LikeLike
Congratulations on your daughters marriage. Hope it will be a long happy marriage. Rip and I have been married almost 54 years and even though he’s not Jewish it has been a great marriage that many thought would never last!! So many other factors are always involved. Hope you are doing well. Think of you often. Rose Ann
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Rose Ann! Thank you so much for your kind words. I surely Oran Sarah and Clive will do as well for as long as you and Rip!
LikeLike
Thanks, Steve for sharing your views on this issue. Sarah is a bright, sensitive and thoughtful young lady. I am certain that she has done all the “due diligence” required to decide that Clive is ” Mr. Right”. Peg and I send our love and wish them all the best as they enter the next phase of their lives.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Donnie!
LikeLike
Mazal tov to Sarah and Clive and to the whole family. Wishing them a smooth ride as they weave their lives together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, but I wish I knew who you are.
LikeLike
May God bless them and keep them. Warm wishes to the couple!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Jeff!
LikeLike
Beautifully written. Brought tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart, as I just lost my 88-year-old father. He, like you, loved his daughter immensely and I miss him dearly. Congratulations to the happy couple, and to the loving father – you. All the very best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Laurie! My heart goes out to you upon the death of your beloved father.
LikeLike