Rose LifeCycle Ceremonies

09/23/2026

I finally got rid of my landline and only use my cell phone now. Send me a message if you need the phone number.

09/20/2026

I saw the play "Disposable" at Steppenwolf's 1700 Theater last night. It is a one woman play based on the real-life experiences of workers from very different backgrounds—from low-wage temporary workers and day laborers to corporate professionals.

Despite their differences, they share a troubling reality: workers may be considered essential and valuable only until they are no longer needed. The play explores what happens when people are treated as replaceable or “disposable,” and the emotional and economic toll that uncertainty can take.

What I found especially sad and disturbing is that, despite labor laws, workplace protections, and unions, some workers still endure deplorable working conditions. The play is a sobering reminder that protections on paper do not always translate into dignity, security, and fair treatment in the workplace.

The subject had particular meaning for me. In 1995, I wrote my master’s thesis, “Contingent Employees: Disposable Workers.” At the time, there was considerable discussion about what the workplace might look like in the year 2000. Some envisioned a future in which more people would work independently or freelance, moving from gig to gig and taking greater control over their own careers.
Thirty-one years later, it was fascinating—and troubling—to watch Disposable and realize that the questions I was examining in 1995 have not disappeared. The nature of work has certainly changed, but insecurity, temporary employment, and the question of how workers are valued are still very much with us.

At the same time, Disposable is not simply a story about hardship. Through humor, energy, and deeply human storytelling, it celebrates the resilience, dignity, determination, and even joy of people trying to make a living.

For me, the play brought the subject full circle—from something I studied and wrote about more than three decades ago to something we are still confronting today.

ABOUT THE SHOW Originally commissioned in 2020 by 1st Stage Theater in Tysons, Virginia, as part of their Solo Commissions Cohort, DISPOSABLE is a…

09/20/2026

09/15/2026

Belated happy anniversary to Mike and JoAn! I had the honor of officiating their intimate, casual outdoor wedding in their backyard. Because Mike and I had worked together at Walgreens, being part of his and JoAn’s special day was especially meaningful to me.

Their wedding was truly a family celebration, filled with love and participation. Mike and JoAn, together with their children and children-in-law, planted a tree—a beautiful symbol of the family growing together. JoAn’s daughter recited a touching poem in memory of loved ones who were no longer with them, while another daughter lit a candle in their honor.

The family was involved in nearly every aspect of the celebration. Mike’s brother served as photographer, JoAn’s daughters created the beautiful floral arrangements, and another family member provided the music. So much family love surrounded them that day!

Mike and JoAn, belated happy anniversary, with best wishes for many more love-filled, joyful and healthy years together!

09/15/2026

Happy anniversary to Chris and Jim! I had the pleasure of officiating their casual outdoor wedding at their home in Minooka, Illinois.

Their ceremony reflected both their personalities and the things they love. Because they are motorcycle enthusiasts, one of their readings was “Come Ride With Me.” They also chose the lyrics to John Legend’s “All of Me,” which beautifully expressed their love for one another, as well as the Apache Marriage Blessing.

Chris’ son Joe joined them for a sand unity ritual, symbolizing the blending of their family. But one of the most memorable moments wasn’t planned at all! During the ceremony, a neighbor’s cow wandered over and stood directly behind me. I was completely unaware of our unexpected guest, but apparently Chris and Jim had acquired a cow bridesmaid—or perhaps a cow groomsman!

Happy anniversary, Chris and Jim! Wishing you many more love-filled years together, with plenty of laughter and perhaps a few more unexpected adventures!

09/15/2026

Happy anniversary to Christy and Scott whose elegant outdoor interfaith wedding I had the honor of officiating at Forest Hills Country Club in Rockford, Illinois.

Their ceremony was especially rich in meaningful rituals. After exchanging their marriage vows, Christy and Scott made vows to Scott’s sons, beautifully recognizing the family they were creating together. The boys then joined them in a unity ritual, pouring glass crystals into a crystal bowl. Those crystals would later be transformed into a sculpture—a lasting reminder of their wedding day and the blending of their family.

Christy and Scott also shared a goblet of w**e and created a romantic time capsule with a love letter and w**e box ritual. To close the ceremony, they each broke a glass—a reminder that life’s challenges and celebrations are best faced together.

Happy anniversary, Christy and Scott! Best wishes for many more love-filled years together!

09/15/2026

Belated happy anniversary to Maureen and Jason! I had the joy of officiating their beautiful, ritual-rich wedding at Osteria Via Stato in Chicago.

Maureen was the one bride I never had to ask whether she planned to change her last name after the wedding—she and Jason already had the same last name!

Their ceremony was filled with meaningful ways of including family and friends. After all the guests joined in the Passing of the Peace, Maureen and Jason each presented a rose to the other’s parents. Their readings included Michael Blumenthal’s “A Marriage,” followed later by the Blessing of the Hands just before they exchanged their marriage vows.

Their immediate family members also took part by warming and blessing the rings before the ring exchange. Maureen and Jason then lit a unity candle, and Jason’s cousin brought the ceremony to a beautiful close with the reading “On Your Wedding Day.”

Cage & Aquarium provided the wonderful music and photography that helped make the celebration even more memorable.

Happy anniversary, Maureen and Jason! Best wishes for many more love-filled years together!

09/15/2026

Happy anniversary to Kirsten and Colin, whose beautiful outdoor wedding I had the honor of officiating at the Concord Centre in Woodstock, Illinois.

Their ceremony was filled with meaningful and romantic touches. A three-piece string ensemble provided the music, creating a lovely atmosphere. Kirsten’s uncle shared the familiar passage from Corinthians 13 about the enduring qualities of love, and the couple spent a few quiet moments receiving the silent good wishes of their family and friends.

Before Kirsten and Colin exchanged their marriage vows, I shared the Blessing of the Hands. Following the exchange of rings, they shared two glasses of w**e, and Colin’s cousin concluded the ceremony with a traditional Irish wedding blessing.

Kirsten and Colin, happy anniversary! May you continue to share many more love-filled, healthy and happy years together.

09/15/2026

Belatedly remembering Mark, the beloved partner of my friend Kirsten, on the anniversary of the service celebrating his life that I had the honor of officiating.
Mark was only 53 when he died—far too young. He was a well-loved musician, and music naturally became an important part of his service. His band friends performed, and one friend had even written a song especially for him. Many family members and friends also shared their memories and stories.
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Mark, his spiritual and musical presence was palpable, as was the love of the nearly 200 people who gathered to honor him. It was an emotional and deeply moving tribute to a man I wish I could have known.
During the service, I shared the words often attributed to Irving Berlin: “The song is ended, but as the songwriter wrote, the melody lingers on.” Mark’s melodies—and the memories he created—continue to live on in those who knew and loved him.
May Mark’s memory always remain in the hearts of his family and friends, offering comfort, bringing smiles, and inspiring them to live their lives in ways that honor his memory. May his melody continue to linger on.