My niece got married last Saturday. A moderate sized affair, with a judge doing the honors. Family all around. I don’t know where the idea came from, but the nicest touch was the roses. Two long stemmed roses, one tucked into the flowers at each side of the bride and groom. After the vows, they each took a rose, and exchanged them as their first gift to each other as husband and wife. They were then instructed to find a special place in their home for the roses. When words fail, the judge told them, place a rose in the special spot. The other is to accept the gift… and not demand the proper words.

This works for apologies and joys, I think. Sometimes the words just don’t happen, but you really need to let someone know. Let them know whatever. Kind of like a prayer without words. I’m here. I’m sorry. I’m thrilled. I love you, but the words are doing it justice.