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Wednesday August 26, 2009

A Fairly Tale Romance Turns 65


Ever since I was a young girl, I have loved to take out my mother's wedding album and page through the incredibly romantic journey of my parents. The images from that special day are etched lovingly into memory: my mother in her wedding dress, surrounded by her many sisters, getting ready for the big day.. my handsome father standing proudly at the altar waiting for her.

More memories (and more pages in the wedding album!) were created on Sunday, August 23, when my parents Frances and Chester Sliwa (pictured here with Curtis, Maria and myself) celebrated the renewal of their vows in the Blessed Mothers Chapel in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, the very same chapel where they tied the knot 65 years ago, in 1944!

As i watched the incredible celebration unfold, I strongly sensed the presence of my aunts and uncles, who are no longer with us in this realm, but who were all present on that day in 1944. This time, their children and grandchildren filled the pews. There was joy and love in the air along with a deeply sentimental feeling. Tears welled up throughout the chapel as I sang Ave Maria, the favorite song of my many aunts, my mother's sisters.

My brother Curtis gave an amazing speech crediting my parents for their help starting the Guardian Angels, some 30 years ago. He praised my father's example as a Merchant Marine who believed in taking responsibility for one's own self defense, and my mother's outreach work that helped overcome early skepticism about the controversial group.

My brother also credited my sister Maria and my own unconventional life paths to my parents being fully supportive and yet not overly protective, which allowed us to make our own decisions and dance to the beat of our own drummer.

It was very a heartfelt moment to see my children, Gian and Francesca (at left), and Curtis's son Anthony, participate in the ceremony as ring bearers and flower girl in the place where it all began.

My parents' love story has certainly been a miracle and inspriration in my life and is the perfect exclamation point in this Summer of Love.. also experienced in the phenomenal energy and miracles of the Reboot Camp: Cracking the Code Extraordinary Love and Manifestation and present now in our current Intensive on Romantic Love.

Blessings,

Aleta

PS - For a detailed report, I've included the New York Daily News article below! Enjoy.

 


Comments

  1. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful love story with us, Aleta. I remember meeting your parents, and they are extraordinarily kind and loving. You’re children are so blessed to have them for grandparents. BTW, my birthday was also Sunday, what a lovely connection.

    by Noelle Aug 27, 04:21 PM

  2. My God the irony and astounding convergence of their beautiful moment in the midst of our Romantic Boot Camp has had the most profound effect on me. It’s a perfect circle of creation : of deep love , of commitment, of resilience and triumph . It’s a glorious example by which I will measure the one coming into my life !

    by Caroline Nation Aug 27, 04:48 PM

  3. agreed, the love theme this summer is awesome, and it keeps going for a few more weeks, even better!

    by Mitch Aug 27, 05:45 PM

  4. I adore you. I have since Caroline first introduced us (20? years ago)— and that’s when I first experienced your “magic gifts”. now reading about your mom & dad and seeing the pictures of you all, I understand how the gifts came to you.
    Love much LP

    by Linda Aug 27, 06:45 PM

  5. Dear Aleta,
    Please send my congratulations to Fran and Chester. Thank you for sharing them with me so long ago-what an inspiration they are! I am blessed to know all of you.
    Much love,
    Maura

    by Maura Aug 27, 07:09 PM

  6. This is beautiful!

    by Stacy Aug 27, 08:00 PM

  7. Aleta, how very, very lovely.
    Your parents are such dear sweet people.
    Many congratulations to them!

    xxxxL inda And Bob

    by Linda Schleider Aug 28, 01:13 AM

  8. Aleta,

    Thank you for sharing the photos, your parents are a inspiration to us all!

    PS: YOU look GREAT!

    Love,

    Joel

    by Joel Lasher Aug 28, 04:21 AM

  9. How wonderful to see Fran and Chester! They look so beautiful and happy. What’s with your ageless family???? : )
    Thank you for sharing your family’s celebration! Much love from Ingrid

    by Ingrid Aug 28, 10:07 AM

  10. Hi Aleta,

    So great to see your parents and what a lovely article you wrote.
    Continue to live life joyously.
    Fondly,
    Brenna

    by Brenna McDonough Aug 28, 09:16 PM

  11. Thanks Aleta. Soooo nice to see that sense of family and support. It gives me such hope and inspiration. Love to you and yours.

    by Barb V. Aug 28, 09:49 PM

  12. How well I remember your parents. I spent many days at your house growing up. One of my fondest memories of your mom is of her practicing for a play held at OLM. She had come to my house and my dad taped her singing. She had such an amazing powerful voice. I can still hear it today.

    They are wonderful people; and I’m so happy they were a part of my life.

    With warm memories,
    Michele

    by Michele Tobias Sep 12, 09:17 AM

  13. What can I say other than the whole thing is miracle…You re an angel on this earth just to give….You are just an angel who has come to this glaxy to serve the best of the best nd just love u nd adore u……….

    by bahar Dec 13, 06:13 PM

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