By Pat Desmond. August 28, 2010
A long line of spirits Stand to watch and pray
As our two families merge. Timothy Ambrose Desmond And Annie Posey Millar
A man of joy and integrity
A woman of solemn courage
Ready to weave a family of your own
Ready to take risks
Repeating the actions of the past
Because hope opens the door
To a new generation, a new beginning
The spirits that bless your wedding vows
From the groom’s side
Were born in Boston
And Dunmanway, County Cork,
A forgotten Polish village
And Quincy, Massachusetts.
They were Catholic, Protestant and Jews.
They were telephone company workers,
Caterers, inventors, shady characters,
Landlords, parking lot attendants, farmers,
Rock star roadies, milliners, fulltime mothers
And Sephardic construction workers.
They all worked hard and struggled
with much guilt and pain.
They all hoped their children
Would have a better life.
And so do I.
For them better meant more.
They stand here now
To bless your intentions.
They lived and died
And their spirits live
In your dreams
In your plans
In your possibilities.
May you realize freedom
From the centuries of want
Freedom from the long line
of addiction and sadness.
May your family know peace
May your love bring the true joy
Of a better life.