Why You Should Be Careful Using the Zoom Lens at Weddings

What happened 50 years later

At the height of efficiency, my father attended a funeral in the morning and wore the same suit in the afternoon to get married. His friend borrowed his 8 mm video camera to capture the special day, and later when the bride and groom viewed the video, they watched a significant amount of my mom’s bridesmaid Debbie’s decolletage, including repeated use of the zoom lens.

Baby makes three

I made us a family of three in no time. Over the years, my dad’s daughter from a previous marriage frequently visited over the summer. During long car trips across the country, she’d chew grape bubble gum, filling the car with an overpowering, synthetic stench.

Vacations were usually to the mountains in Colorado, dude ranches, camping, horseback, and adventures with friends in campers. Sometimes we’d venture to California to visit friends. We’d sing songs and play games during the long car rides.

The things that fill our lives

My parents would occasionally get babysitters in the evening and attend a special evening or meal out with friends. My mom enjoyed taking classes, both in classrooms and dance studios. Over the years, she stuffed envelopes for political causes she believed in and was a part of the Sierra Club.

Until a few years ago, she always worked multiple jobs yet still managed to cook incredible meals that my friends were eager to come over and enjoy. She still makes amazing meals, has always welcomed numerous guests, and has never been without dogs.

My dad has always enjoyed drawing cartoons and routinely submitted editorial cartoons to the local paper. He also created cartoon books and spoke at Toastmasters. He loved theater and spent countless years at our local theater, especially after my younger brother was born when they both performed in plays. He’s regularly participated in the annual 48-hour film festival, too.

My mom regularly helped out with makeup for the cast in those performances, and she routinely catered after parties for cast and crew, with her delectable food.

What changes, what doesn’t

There were annual events not to be missed in someone’s home or somewhere in town. Over the years, friends moved away, others lost touch, and some passed away. My parents laughed and cried over things that mattered and some things that didn’t.

They’ve been grateful for what they’ve had and wondered about things they could’ve done differently. But there’s always been love underneath it all.

Today they celebrated 50 years of marriage, and in their 70s and 80s, respectively, they both still hold part-time jobs and are as busy as ever with a lot going on. But for this one night, they had a special dinner at an upscale restaurant in town they normally wouldn’t treat themselves to, and that was enough.