Toward the end of Easter brunch this year, Brian slipped away to sit next to his grandfather, Mykola, for a bit. As I nibbled on my bagel and sipped a mimosa, I watched them talking softly with one another and I swear, I fell in love with Brian just a little bit more. He has such a special bond with his grandfather that he nurtures.
It was obvious to me that they were having a meaningful conversation when I saw Brian tear up a bit, but then they both smiled and Mykola’s eyes lit up with love and pride. I had no idea at the time that Mykola was giving Brian marriage advice until we got in the car to head home and Brian shared a few moments with me and one has stuck with me ever since…
“She is your family now”, he said.
It’s such a simple but incredibly meaningful concept. Marriage isn’t just about joining our families, it’s also about creating a new one, the family that begins with our union. When we got engaged, I did feel a subtle shift; he suddenly became so much more than just the man I loved, he became my family. The man I would have children with. The man I would raise children with. The man I would make life decisions with. The man I would grow old with.
He’s my family.
I get a little overwhelmed when I think of all that lies ahead but also so excited.
I’m building a new family. What a joyous thought that is.
First up, a French bulldog:)
365til30.com 
Reblogged this on The Manifest-Station and commented:
A great blog to follow if you don’t yet. Inspiring! Tell Kate I sent you xo jen
The two of you are starting your life together in such a beautiful way.
My friend has a French bulldog and she is the cutest – her name is Lucy. Great choice in a new addition!
Thanks, Janice!
I agree with you about the French Bulldog thing…the CUTEST:)
Such a beautiful post. 🙂 Makes me super excited for for the days ahead when I start my new family too!
Thank you so much! 🙂
That’s exactly what it’s all about, Kate, and may it be forever. 🙂
Thank you. To forever and ever:)
Hello Kate,
Jen from Manifestation Yoga sent me and I’m so glad she did. This brought tears to my eyes. Blessings on your marriage, Kate.
With love, Amanda
http://defineyourspirit.com (We’re not live yet, but should be by 5.12.13)
Hello Amanda!
So glad you stopped by and thank you so much for your kind words. Looking forward to checking out your site!
So excited for what lies ahead for you guys. Also, we’ve been in the market for a friend for Cholula, and I have been gravitating toward Frenchies!
Cholula and a little frenchie would be such a cute pair!
Such a simple and sweet concept. Nothing better than a little golden nugget of insight form a grandparent. Cheers to you guys!
Such an important truth. Our ‘own’ families maybe whatever they are… but now you have the opportunity to create your own 🙂 You TWO are a family unit now as well… plus or minus Frank, the bulldog 😉
Isn’t that the truth? xoxoxo 🙂
Thank you!! 🙂
That picture reminds me of Spain. The elderly are rather spry over there and love to take walks which is great since they stay active. A bit inconvenient when you are young and in a rush but I would see couples holding hands and walking arm in arm like this all the time. Not so much here in sedentary USA… it’s like all the old people are afraid to go out and take a walk!
Ha…the sedentary USA. SO true. I found this photo and immediately felt a rush of emotion.
Beautiful Post – New Family, New Traditions, New Generations:)
A very nice blog congratulations.