Kath, Erin and Doug

A wee piece of the Mother-of-the-Bride speech.

I draw on the image of the crane as I reflect on my daughter’s life and her decision to enter this special covenant with Douglas; one that pulls one family into a magnetic connection with another, an ocean away.

Over cultures and beliefs, the crane represents the very qualities that are within each of us…and are in Erin.  Revered in cultures throughout the world, the crane is a symbol of wisdom, fidelity, vigilance and discipline; all qualities that describe my darling girl.

According to legend and medieval Christian symbolism, cranes are appointed to keep watch over all that is special.  She clutches a stone in a single claw, balancing on one leg.  If she nods off, the stone drops onto her other foot and she picks the stone up in the other claw.  For this family, Christ is the stone…the rock that we hold onto. Erin has always cared for and loved ‘the other’.  She demonstrates tremendous vigilance and strength. Erin has cared for her brother and her sister and for me.

Cranes take flight…vocalize…and as a totem, bring light into darkness.  As mature birds, Cranes seek out and mate for life.  They grieve at the loss of their partner.  Erin and Douglas, through everything that sings in them, have found one another and will be there for one another forever.

In conclusion…cranes fly in formation, with a leader guiding the flock….when that one leader tires, there is another to replace the flock.  We will be there to support you.  Rely on the folk you see gathered at these tables, and the ones who couldn’t be with us today.  Know that we will always love, forgive and strengthen you.