Lifting the Veil

At this time next week, I'll be exploring the countryside in Costa Rica with my daughter, her fiancee, friends and family. I'm told we will be trekking through the jungle for a few days, rapelling down waterfalls, and staying in a hotel across from a live volcano. It all sounds pretty exotic and a little like an Indiana Jones movie to me but I'm ready for the adventure with my hiking shoes, hydration system and insect repellant. At the end of what may be an arduous journey for some of us is the object of our quest. No it isn't the fountain of youth (although that would be a nice bonus for me!) or a chest filled with sparkling jewels - it is the most precious gift of love. My little girl is getting married to her beloved at a sunset ceremony on the beach.

Now I questioned why we were all going about this the hard way - instead of flying in and relaxing at the beautiful little boutique hotel near the beach - we are taking the long way in from the capital through the jungle and quite possibly getting blisters and breaking beautifully manicured nails in the process. But it's a beautiful plan and an amazing opportunity for mom and her baby girl to experience something beautiful and magical together before the next chapter in our lives begins. We will in essence be lifting the veil of of our everyday lives to witness the incredible diversity and beauty of the natural world - much like my daugther will be lifting her veil a few days later to begin a new chapter in her life.  Our little band of adventurers will weave its way through this tropical wilderness among the colorful birds, brilliant flowers, graceful waterfalls and playful monkeys for three days, witnesses to the beauty and bounty offered by mother earth to all its creatures.  This little journey will change each of us in a fundamental way - connecting us with nature and with each other as we create memories that will last a lifetime.

Love will greet us and surround us all with its brilliance when we finally arrive at the beachside hotel - with family and friends joining us for a joyful wedding celebration that will be as beautiful as it is unique.

As my daughter prepares to lift the veil, I wish her and her beloved a beautiful, fulfilling life together.

Buen viaje.