It’s been a blessing to watch Shannon blossom over the years, from a quiet and unassuming young girl into the leader of the Georgia Tech swim & dive team.  Her athletic prowess as a diver was a sight to behold; and a true blessing to her parents Dan and Nancy Lumbra, as she provided her own college education with a four year scholarship.  Of course Dan and Nancy will quickly point out that for Shannon to arrive at that pinnacle of diving success, there were more than a few private lessons and much family travel to the diving events over the years.  Through it all, quietly waiting in the background, was her friend and ally, Ben Barclay.  Ben had his own path to follow, as he joined the ranks of the chosen few, graduating from West Point, and continuing on for a Masters at MIT.

Impressive as these credentials are, they are not the characteristics that make Ben & Shannon so special to all who know them.   Their underlying faith and strength of character attracts friends and family to gladly travel long distances for the privilege of sharing the joy of this blessed union.  Although more than a few tears were shed during the ceremony, that didn’t slow us up as we moved to the dance floor.  Shannon’s sister Meagan shared stories of Shannon running from the phone, unlike most teens who race their family to reach it first.  Ben’s best man divulged that his secret for keeping a perfectly uncreased pillow in his dorm room, was to sleep on a brown towel instead.  Of course, two brown towels were provided as a parting wedding gift, so Shannon can keep her pillow perfect as well:)

New family relationships were formed, as I had the pleasure of sitting with my cuz, Joanna Domeracki and her hubby John, just returning from Ireland.  They had some interesting stories about researching and developing new business there as they prepare for the next Halloween.  John has created a costume business in Austin, the UK, and parts unknown.  Who knew?  Cousin Dottie and Bob from New Braunfels showed us all up on the dance floor.  Best of all, Betsy left husband Roger home to puppy sit, so I had a travel companion to share lots family memories of our Mamou.  Having time on the round trip from Houston, I found out that Betsy can out talk me!  Some would disagree, but I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.  Seriously!!