Last year a gymnastics colleague from Germany told me he was getting married to his long time girlfriend. I was so happy for them!
Then he asked me if I would preside over the ceremony.
I could not have been more honored.
I became a Justice of the Peace in my state 7 years ago. A gymnast who I had coached 20 years ago in a different state walked into my gym to tell me that she was engaged. I was delighted to see her and so excited for her news. This was a women who I had only coached for a few years when I was very much a rookie coach. During her Junior year of high school her father passed away suddenly. It was hard on everyone.
We headed out to get a coffee and catch up. During our coffee she asked me if I would walk her down the aisle. I was shocked. I never knew I had made such an impact. Although I was honored I felt that it should be her brother or a closer friend who should walk her down. I told her that I would become a Justice of the Peace and perform the ceremony.
It was a beautiful ceremony in a park and they were both surrounded and supported by their children from previous marriages. Since then I have presided over weddings of 2 of my employees, my neighbors, a few sets of friends and this weekend a colleague from Germany.
#IamUSAGymnastics
