by Saeed Amirian

A few weeks ago, we were invited to a magnificent wedding. It wasn’t your ordinary, down–to-earth wedding, “not that there is anything wrong with that (for all of you Seinfeld fans),” but a fantasy wedding for a pair of lovebirds. Two nights of magnificent festivities along with an exclusive VIP-only pool party for young adults, which was naturally, crashed by others. Due to the observance of the traditional period for my mother’s passing I did not attend any festivities, I simply accompanied my wife for the ride. According to all attendees, the location, the guests and the entertainments were all a feast to the eye. This seven hundred plus wedding was a sight that deserved a cover of Vanity Fair. On the way back in my tight coach seat, (have you seen the prices of business class on a domestic flight and who likes private jets anyway?) I turned to my half-sleeping wife and asked, “How did you like the whole thing?” “It was wonderful,” she said, “a fairy tale wedding.” Not letting her off the hook so easily I added, “and a very expensive one at that, no?” “So what, if you can afford it, why not? Everyone one had a fabulous time, it was a mini vacation for a lot of people, what’s wrong with that?” she argued and went back to sleep. Now I have two options: option number one pretending to be the champion of the 99%/absentee representative of those who cannot afford to do it, and all the young and old singles that might get the wrong impression who may take this event as a norm and expect it from their parents. Option number two, be less cynical and judgmental, (believe me it’s not easy). Why shouldn’t we be able to flaunt our blessings, we all are blessed differently; some with good looks, some with exceptional intelligence, charm, personality, sense of humor, and yes some with wealth. Don’t we push people with pleasant voices to sing, sing any song they like? When we admire a professional dancer, do we tell her how to dance? Don’t we expect most eye candies (these days, men too!) to do their best and display their God-given gift? I think I chose wisely. (This one is for all the Indiana Jones fans) Each individual displays and uses their blessings in their own way. We adore some and despise others but the choice is theirs, not ours. We should all suck it up, accept it, respect it and be appreciative and grateful for being a part of it. Oh, and yes, enjoy it too. More power to those who have the means and will, to throw these bashes in an acceptable traditional community values!