A wedding for Alden

This is a special time in the Burke family. Alden, my youngest, is getting married to Matthew Walshe. So as her proud father, this column is my toast to the happy couple. 

Alden has always been unique. Red hair, blue-eyed, smart, funny, and ready to rumble. Even as early as preschool, Alden had a clear sense of practicality. She valued function over fashion, a trait that has stayed with her ever since and has shaped her in meaningful ways as she’s grown.

Throughout her life, she’s always aimed high, but never at the expense of truly living. She’s raised animals, taken on new challenges, and embraced every opportunity that came her way. She could have chosen to be defined by accolades alone, but instead she chose to fully enjoy her school years, her friendships, and her family.

Alden has always been fiercely independent and unafraid of learning new skills. Whether it was learning how to drive a stick shift, replacing a starter in an MGB, or mastering how to back up a trailer, she’s never shied away from figuring things out and seeing them through. The results of her perseverance are evident, as everything she touches is left just a little bit better than she found it.

When she chose to attend the University of Georgia, it may have pained me just a little, but I was so proud of her for blazing her own trail.

And then Matthew came along. It was always going to take someone special to be worthy of my daughter, and it didn’t take long to see that he was exactly that. The way they complement each other is truly something rare, and I have no doubt that their future together will be a beautiful one.

An Irish toast is the best blessing in life:

“May the love you share carry you upon the ever-changing currents of time and love.”

“May the wind give flight to all your hopes and dreams.”

“May passion burn in your hearts like a warm and comforting fire.”

“May water overflow your cup with prosperity.”

“And may the Earth hold you steady as you journey together into tomorrow and beyond.”

Kelly Burke was born in Knoxville where he spent his younger years, followed by high school years in Atlanta where he graduated from Georgia Tech, and Mercer Law School. He has been in private practice, a magistrate judge, and an elected district attorney. He writes about the law, politics, music, and Ireland. He and his wife enjoy gardening, playing with their Lagotto Ramanolo named George Harrison, and spending time with their grandchildren. To see this column or Kelly’s archives, visit www.kellyrburke.com. You can email Kelly at dakellyburke@gmail.com.