Countdown

The wedding is in about 16 hours. My middle son will marry his childhood sweetheart.

Actually, they didn't much care for each other the first 10 years, but they first met when they were 7 and 10. Pretty much normal reaction for kids that age.

People keep asking them if they're nervous. They think that's funny, and a little annoying. They know there will be adjustments, but they're looking forward to them with anticipation rather than trepidation.

They found an apartment this week. A little last-minute, perhaps, but it's a good location for both of them, fits their budget, and is roomier than most in that price range. It's also upstairs from the landlord.

I spotted the ad in the local paper last week. It took a few days for them to reach the landlord and make an appointment to check the place out. They invited me to go along, so I did.

Turns out the landlord is a local elected official - one I'd voted for, and will again. She spent some time talking about how folks in this part of town just 'go with the flow', taking things in stride. She even gave examples from her work. She talked some about the stores and churches in the area. We're already quite familiar with those, since we just live a few miles away. Then she mentioned that if my son had any interest in the local Knights of Columbus, one of their most active members is a neighbor.

Oh yes, we know him.

The landlord made it clear that she had other prospects to interview, but stood outside and chatted with us for another 20 minutes or so. While we were standing there, the neighbor stopped to wish my son and his bride-to-be congratulations on their upcoming wedding.

When the landlord told my future daughter-in-law they'd been chosen, she said that the other couple, much decorated tattoo artists, frightened her and would likely frighten the neighbors. It's got to be easier to 'go with the flow' in your office than in your home -- and the personal reference from the neighbor certainly didn't hurt.

Then there were all the moms, grandmoms, and friends who have been asking St. Joseph to intercede on their behalf. I don't think the other couple had a shot.