What a difference a week can make

I left town a couple of weeks ago and went to Colorado for my brother Rob's wedding. He is turning 40 this year and is marrying a phenomenal woman. This is his first marriage and while he is quite the catch, those of us in the family never thought this day would happen.

I left Portland, a mess of nerves and anxiety, not really sure what the week would hold for me and really dreading everything that comes with travelling. It is interesting because I love to travel, I love to see new things and I love to go places and am quite adventerous. I just wish that this didn't involve air travel. Alas, I made it to Colorado safely and began my trip which normally consists of me acting somewhat like a different person, being continuously in a state of hung over, and my anxiety going through the roof because all I want is my couch and my house and my car and....you get the point.

To say that the beginning of this trip started out unexpected was an understatement. I flew out early for all the wedding activities which was to include a bachelorette party and general craziness until we moved to our home away from home, a winery in Grand Junction, Colorado. To my surprise, and a few unfortunate accidents, I got the pleasure of spending the first 3 days of my trip with my mom and my sisters - the Vonau women on the prowl. We ate together, we drank together, but most importantly we talked and we bonded and we shared some of the most free time I have had with these women - completely relaxed, no grudges being held, and just genuine joy to be around one another.

We then went out to Grand Junction and we spend 5 days at a winery with basically just the family. My family is traditionally a close family and we spend all of our time together but, this felt different, this felt more real. We played our games, came and went during the day, and spent time enjoying the company that we could provide in this small town. The surroundings didn't hurt at all. We stayed at a quiant winery on the base of the cliffs. There were 10 rooms which we occupied which were above the general meeting area and they made us feel at home. Fully stocked fridge and free wine tasting every afternoon gave us a schedule that screamed vacation and relaxation.

This culminated with the wedding of my brother which in so many ways was the most surreal moment I have ever had. I have idolized this man since I was young and here he is finding his ultimate dream. They asked me to speak at the wedding and the overwhelming feeling that I got and had to convey was how special this relationship was that we were witnessing and how special these two souls are. I think I can honestly say, that as an adult, I have only witnessed this kind of partnership a hand full of times and it gives me chills to think about.