In May of 1998, Sean ended his 7 year courtship by announcing plans to get married on New Year's Eve 1999.  Fran and I were very happy for he and Jennifer.  The only glitch throughout the entire engagement came at the very end.  Fran and the mother-in-law to be, did not see eye to eye on anything.  Over time, hurt feelings were felt by both sides and tensions mounted.

A week before the wedding, all hell broke loose when Donna called Fran.  All I was able to discern was that Fran and Donna argued like two high-strung cats and Fran terminated the call by slamming down the receiver.  Both me and Larry (Donna's husband) tried to bring a resolution to this major skirmish but quickly realized that peace was not at hand.  The next time these two warring matriarchs would meet would be at the wedding rehearsal at Donna's house.

The Sigh Heard Round The World

It was Thursday, December 30th., T-minus 30 hours and counting.  We arrived at the house in time for the rehearsal and took the opportunity to meet the rest of the wedding party.  Larry was very cordial.  There was no hint a major "battle of the broads" took place just a scant 7 days prior.  As we were all getting to know one another, it became apparent that the only person not in the room was Donna.  Seconds later, she emerged.  A deafening hush fell upon the room.  It was obvious that everybody knew of the bad blood between the two mothers.  Larry and I gave each other a quick "eye check" as if to silently indicate our readiness to physically intercede (if necessary). 

Fortunately cool heads prevailed.  Donna and Fran embraced.  We were made to feel very welcome into the home of our new extended family.  Immediately, everyone in the room breathed a collective (and very audible) sigh of relief.  By all accounts, it looks as if the rehearsal and the wedding were going to come off without a hitch.  Larry and I agreed... we told the paramedics (who were standing by - just in case) that they could return to their station.

The Wedding and Beyond...

With Armageddon now averted, we were able to concentrate on marrying off our first born and welcoming in the new Millennium.  The wedding itself was relatively quick and painless.  Since Sean and Jen come from Jewish heritage, it was their intention to get married by a Rabbi.  Only one problem, the wedding was scheduled to take place on a Friday night... the height of the Jewish Sabbath.  Attempts to locate a rabbi to perform the ceremony were futile regardless of financial incentives.  So the newlyweds did the next best thing - they hired a DJ who performs Jewish weddings.  The "stunt rabbi" (as I call him) did a pretty good job pronouncing all the words and even through in an "amen" and "mazel tov" at the most appropriate times.  The only glitch came just seconds after pronouncing the couple husband and wife, Rabbi DJ had to make a mad dash to the back of the chapel so as to play the Wedding March on his CD player.

The ceremony was short but the celebration lasted well into the wee hours of New Year's Day.  Plenty of dancing and plenty of liquid refreshment made for one hell of a party.  What started out as a potentially dreadful affair turned out to be a kick ass time - enjoyed by all.

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