Hello again.
For those of you in the know, I've only just returned from a small amount of time back home in Malaysia. I got back yesterday in fact. Ordinarily, I'd rattle on about my trip. I'd write about the amazing days I spent with my significant other, or about my house in Malaysia being broken into. In fact, there's quite a few things I could talk about.
Instead I'm going to do something of a rarity on this blog, and get off my soapbox for a bit. I'm not going to write about myself. Today, I'm giving this space wholly the latter portion of my trip and an important milestone in a dear brother's life.
I returned home from Malaysia via Perth. The purpose of my visit was twofold, one was to visit Ken and Hari, and the second was to act as a witness as Ken got married. And what a nice little wedding it was.
On the morning of the big day, Ken and his soon-to-be-ex-fiance Li Chun busied themselves making sure that the house was tidy, the food was prepared and the decorations were in place. Not too long past noon, a few guests arrived and brought our party to about 10 people. Aside from the inhabitants of the house (Ken, LC and Hari), there was myself, LC's friend and fellow wedding witness Amy, Ken's Dad, Aunt, and Uncle, and 2 of LC's other friends.
By 1 pm, the stage was set and we all trooped over to the backyard patio and patiently awaited the arrival of the Marriage Celebrant. It was during this time that Ken also handed me 2 boxes containing the rings to be exchanged. We milled about chatting for a bit, and then it was time.
The Celebrant arrived, and after some housekeeping everyone stood in a semi circle around the happy couple. At this point the Celebrant took care of legal formalities and the wedding began in earnest. First came a brief description of their longstanding relationship, from the time it began in uni up to the point where they decided to spend the rest of their lives together. Then came the vows and the rings. Both spoke clearly, and it was obvious that this was something they've been wanting to do.
Next came a quaint little ceremony I hadn't seen before. Both Ken and LC began pouring some colored sand into a glass vial, signifying that their two separate lives are now one. It was a nice little touch, and despite the wind, none of the sand was spilled as far as I could tell (and Ken quickly placed the stopper on to make sure that none would escape).
With the rings exchanged, the vows spoken, and the sand blended it was time for the marriage certificate to be signed. Ken and LC both did so without hesitation, and not long after me and Amy added our signatures as well. I did so with pride, happy to be able to be a small part in the beginning of something great.
Ken and LC, thank you for allowing me not only to be a witness and bearing your rings for a moment. It's a great honor, and I count myself very fortunate to be among the few who were present.
May your marriage be blessed, your hardships few, and may each in your new life be better than the last.
Your friend and brother,
Fahim
