An Open Letter to My Family

[_keene]

Dear Extended Family,

Thank you so much for coming to my wedding! I'm glad you could make it! I'm sorry no one could stick around for the reception. We had a lot of leftover food and drinks, and we all had a lot of fun.

I also wanted to thank you all for your gifts, they were greatly appreciated, and we've been putting them all to good use.

I feel I must also apologize for the behavior of my parents. You see, they often told me as a child that lying about something was worse than actually doing something wrong. So I am surprised and hurt that they would lie to you about such a beautiful and wonderful event like my wedding. I suppose they thought their pride and status couldn't survive if you knew the truth (isn't pride also a sin?).

First off, yes, this marriage is legal. Mav is an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church, and recognized by the state. I'm not sure why my parents felt the need to spread that particular rumor.

Secondly, no, I will not be getting married in the temple. Ever. I am not ashamed of this fact. I am not Mormon, I don't even believe in God. I am hurt that my family's pride takes so much precedence over the happiness of my wedding day, that they would choose to lie about something so sacred (in their eyes) as a temple wedding.

"Oh no! Your son is living a healthy and happy life together with a beautiful woman who cares about him! Oh my heck! How shameful!"

Those are the only two rumors that made it to my ears. I thought it important that you know the truth. I would hate for the memory of my wedding to be tainted with those beliefs.

Thank you again for making it to my wedding. I know the short notice made it difficult, but seeing all your faces made it that much more special. Love,

Keene Maverick

[_Runtu]

Very well stated, Keene. I'm sorry you had to deal with that. Congratulations on the wedding. The best revenge for behavior like that is to just go out and have a wonderful married life.

Screw 'em.

[_keene]

An explanation:

As many of you know, I had my wedding last weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony. I just got back from my honeymoon.

Now, I am not an uninformed person. I have ears in many places. Those ears were ALL OVER my wedding, and they caught those particular rumors spreading around all over the place. My parents actually told people again and again that this was a "fake" marriage, because we were planning a temple ceremony.

Little did he know it was just 3 minutes prior to the wedding before we decided not to do the sure sign of the nail. (Apparently the owner of the park we were performing caught wind of our plans, and was about to call the cops).

My parents have made no effort to hide their shame in me. Not only do they spread these lies, but right after the wedding, they told everyone that there was no reception, so that my entire family left immediately.

After the wedding, my mom came up to me, crying, and said "Take her to the temple!"

I've never been so offended.

[_Runtu]

An explanation:

As many of you know, I had my wedding last weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony. I just got back from my honeymoon.

Now, I am not an uninformed person. I have ears in many places. Those ears were ALL OVER my wedding, and they caught those particular rumors spreading around all over the place. My parents actually told people again and again that this was a "fake" marriage, because we were planning a temple ceremony.

Little did he know it was just 3 minutes prior to the wedding before we decided not to do the sure sign of the nail. (Apparently the owner of the park we were performing caught wind of our plans, and was about to call the cops).

My parents have made no effort to hide their shame in me. Not only do they spread these lies, but right after the wedding, they told everyone that there was no reception, so that my entire family left immediately.

After the wedding, my mom came up to me, crying, and said "Take her to the temple!"

I've never been so offended.

That's really depressing, keene. I understand the disappointment your parents feel, as they've been taught to be disappointed when one of their children "strays." But lying about things and confronting you after the ceremony is just awful. I think I'd have a hard time even talking to my parents after that.

I'm really sorry this happened to you. Just remember that the only way to deal with this is to behave better than they have behaved. At least that's what I believe.

[_Who Knows]

Congrats on the wedding!

And sorry about the family.

And some TBM's wonder why some ex-mos are bitter towards the church....

[_Jason Bourne]

Congrats on the wedding!

And sorry about the family.

And some TBM's wonder why some ex-mos are bitter towards the church....

Well I have two kids that may not marry in the temple unless the change theor course in life. And while it may disappoint ME it is not about ME. I promise I would never ever do such a thing. I am sorry your parents did. I know where they are coming from in their disappointment but it was just plain wrong for them to do this.

Anyway congratulations and my best for a happy future!!!!

[_moksha]

May you live happily ever after. Yeah, parents can do the darnedest things, but ya gotta love them anyway.

[_Jason Bourne]

May you live happily ever after. Yeah, parents can do the darnedest things, but ya gotta love them anyway.

well said

[_keene]

May you live happily ever after. Yeah, parents can do the darnedest things, but ya gotta love them anyway.

Why?

After the way they raised me, and then this, I think they've gone well beyond the blood-bond. At this point, there's no way I "gotta" love them. They broke even that.

[Anonymous]

Congrats keene! May you shove it in your parent's faces by having 12 agnostic doctor children who prove God supports Buddhists while you live happily ever after.