Attending a wedding is always a poignant reminder of the journey that love charts, but attending one with our 10-month-old twins in tow added layers of warmth and complexity to the celebration. The occasion was the union of dear colleague of mine, and our little family was there to witness their joyous commencement into married life.
There was a certain charm in the air that day, a blend of sophistication and heartfelt joy as we navigated the festivity with our babies. The venue, I recall, was breathtaking – dressed in elegant florals and soft, ambient lighting that seemed to promise new beginnings not just for the couple, but for all who gathered in support.
The feast laid out was nothing short of spectacular, a full-course that beckoned us to indulge in the culinary delights. However, as my wife and I alternated between caring for our little ones and trying to savor the meal, the proverbial village manifested in the kindest of ways. Our colleagues, with their intuitive gestures and nurturing spirits, took turns holding our twins, allowing us to partake in the celebration more fully. This generosity was a vivid illustration of the adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and never had it felt more tangible and poignant.
This simple yet profound kindness has stayed with me, compelling me to plan a token of gratitude for these colleagues, perhaps a lunch treat in the following week. It was an affirmation of the solidarity and support that can make life’s most demanding moments beautiful and memorable.
As the evening wound down, it was clear that the event was more than just a display of commitment between two individuals. It was a showcase of the collective love and support that makes such a journey possible. The sincere help from our colleagues was a gentle reminder that while love can be found in grand romantic gestures, its true essence often shines through in the quiet, selfless acts we offer each other. And as we gathered our things, our twins, now content in the arms of our extended work family, served as the perfect emblem of the day’s purest love and camaraderie.
Atsushi's Life in Korea 