Copyright © 1999 by Jim Oakley 

Epilogue   With Gus's help Sally found a beautiful white Davenport war mare called Serendipity, Serry for short. She learned to ride slowly, confidently, emerging from her  childhood tragedy like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.   In the end Gus taught her to ride blindfolded which allowed her to better guide Ream with walkie talkies to their wedding atop Cathedral Ridge just outside Sedona.    The wedding as provided by Professor Howard is contained herein: The Divinity Marriage Treasured friends, and loved ones, we gather today to introduce the formal declaration of a marriage between        Ream Johnson and Sally Barringer We recognize no creed, no vow, no authority, no ritual can compel or deny the existence of love or bind into union the essence of these two beings. Therefore, these proceedings seek not the power and authority to consecrate this marriage, but rather, claim and confirm for this couple their inherent freedom to choose and define their own unique and individual matrimonial state. That the bonds of matrimony can encompass the exclusive fusion of the mind, body, heart, and spirit of two beings, only by their freedom of choice in love. That this couple may choose their own divinity, their own eternity, and their own God in whatever form is most true for them. That in the final analysis each couple must work out their own personal salvation in happiness, in sorrow, in joy, tears, and smiles.  That perhaps, in giving oneself to the other, these two will yet find more of themselves and therein find a glimpse of the eternal. That perhaps the full meaning and state of being in each can be recognized in the mirror of the other's essence. That perhaps life completes itself when the experience is shared. That perhaps these two may be so embraced to have the innocence of children and the wisdom of sages, to let love unfold their meaning into infinity. That perhaps as the Olympic runner comes from behind to pass the torch, so do previous generations who lived and died for freedom come from behind to join with the freest of the free to bless this matrimony. These proceedings can only confirm and affirm what is already established and is yet to be established between these two beings as a result of their choice. Do you (Bride)_________choose to join in this declaration of matrimony with (Groom)?   Do you (Groom) _________choose to join in this declaration of matrimony with (Bride)? (Bride), please repeat after me: I (Name) accept you (Name) For all that you are Loving you, your closeness, and touch Respecting your dignity and  Having faith in what will unfold Trusting that love will bring  Us even closer in marriage And in what life brings us; I choose you as my (wife/husband). (Groom), please repeat after me: (Repeat Affirmation) Thus, we so pause for a few moments in time, that these two in silence, in speech, in touch, and in being may confirm and affirm their marriage. You are free to be you, to become an "us", in part or in whole,  here and now.   (Personal Exchange Pause) Thus we launch this marriage into time, circumstance, the stars, and eternity. And declare with them, their declaration of husband and wife.  Would it be? That, each couple merge in their embrace, to re-emerge in the stillness hearing the music which plays them-- closer, to become love in the greater serenade  of other couples weaving  their divinity through the music. With the song of eternity glowing through them, merge again into each other to find a freedom greater than their own belonging to love, to each other, and gathering peace in the music which carries them through the universe.

 
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