Caitie Cakes

I have many shared daughters.  The first two in my life were Caitlin Taggart and Jennie Taggart, and if truth be told, their places in my heart sit solid.

Caitlin, her brother Chris, and my son Patrick made a regular trio for a ten-year period between my son’s third birthday and the commencement of high school for the boys.  We took trips, had picnics, fished at the Lake, built with Legos, explored parks, and told stories.  Caitlin marshalled the boys on our expeditions.  While I attended conference meetings, she babysat and busied two little boys and a bundle of fishing equipment, a packet of video tokens, a box of art supplies.  I could always count on Caitlin.

Yesterday I made a forty-five minute journey from the city to Pinstripes, a bowling and bocce bistro so far south I thought I might be in Oklahoma.  The gathering? A wedding shower for Caitlin and her fiance, Bryan Perkins. Co-ed,  multi-generational, festive — everything one could want and befitting one of the most gentle, vibrant young women whom I have been privileged to know.  I had to cut across two lanes of traffic to make a proper turn into the complex but I’m not complaining:  I felt honored to be included.

Caitlin and Bryan officially launch their life as a married couple on 26 April 2015.  But the love flowing around the bocce court yesterday shows that their intertwined lives have already made a permanent and sweet difference.  My life holds much richness, and the pleasure of many lovely memories.  What Caitlin has brought to the tapestry of my days shines rich in the weaving.  I know she and Bryan will be blessed — because I know Caitlin brings blessings to everyone whom she touches, and I know that such a wonderful woman would not pick a husband less wonderful than she.

 

Caitlin Taggart, my son Patrick, and, in profile, Caitlin's mother Katrina.  Country Club Plaza, possibly 1995 or 1996.  See the exuberance?  She never brings less than unbridled enthusiasm to everything she does.

Caitlin Taggart, my son Patrick, and, in profile, Caitlin’s mother Katrina. Country Club Plaza, possibly 1995 or 1996. See the exuberance? She never brings less than unbridled enthusiasm to everything she does.

Caitlin and her mother at the wedding shower.

Caitlin and her mother at the wedding shower.

Caitlin, her fiance, and her future mother-in-law.

Caitlin, her fiance, and her future mother-in-law.

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