The Hawthorne is Inn

Fads come and go just like the tides, and we all are aware of them. Glenn Miller and the Big Band era, The Beatles and Rock and Roll, and Michael Jackson with his Pop Rock all come to mind when I think of music genres. Fashion trends are equally changing all the time, just the wind. Paisley prints, Nehru jackets, bell bottoms, mini skirts, and now baggy jeans have all been the rage at some time or other. However, some things, perhaps, considered more traditional never seem to suffer the ill fated demise of a trend and have remained constant over the years. Jos. A. Banks has had great success maintaining that classic look in its clothing line over the years, which supports the notion that change doesn't always translate into something better.

Friday marked the wedding celebration of my niece to "DJ". It all started at Holy Family Parish, formerly known as St. Joseph's, in the sweltering heat of the day at 3:30pm, but the invited guests said, "don't "sweat" it" because we wouldn't want to miss it. We were greeted by the angelic voice of "Pashi" resonating from high above the congregation. As my sister came down the aisle with her son, I had this deja vu moment recalling her wedding day, in the same church over 30 years ago. The faces have changed some, and certainly there are a number of new ones with the nieces and nephews, but the atmosphere was the same.

After the service, we made our way down the front stairs to greet the newlyweds. Grandma wasn't going to miss this opportunity, as she made her way down the front steps of the church, just like the old days. This time, however, she moved at her pace which was considerably slower than in years past. Once everyone made it through the receiving line, it was off to, "witch" city again?; that would be Salem, Ma., of course.

The reception was a grand affair for sure. The families gathered for hors d'oeuvres and libations to start the evening off right, and the meal was then preceded by several toasts from the heart. The parents of the bride, the maid of honor, and the best man all delivered reflections that joined the past with the present and decidedly set the tone for the future.

After dinner, the "spirits", both past and present, must have been flowing as the dance floor rocked to its core with activity from the youth, but they weren't to be outdone, as many of "oldies but goodies" tripped to the light fantastic too. Uncle Chasmo even led the conga line with his knee immobilizer in place. The bride later told me that "The Family" ruled the dance floor, and she looked quite pleased that all the invited guests certainly appeared to enjoy themselves.

Yes, this was a wedding reception held in the "city of witches", but the entire day from the service through the reception was one for the ages. If my niece and her new husband can survive through the years like the Hawthorne has endured, then they clearly are on their way to a life filled with happiness and success. The Hawthorne has a rich legacy, and now we all have become part of that history. I would have to say that makes us part of that "Inn" crowd too, wouldn't you?