The day you were born, I became a mom. What a journey this has been and continues to be. There have been highs and lows and lots of in-betweens. Being the eldest of all, I’m sure, came with some pressures and responsibilities, but more than those, I hope you know the honor and privilege it has been of God putting you in our family. Dad and I spent such a long time deciding on your name, Adriane Courtney Jung. We wanted it to be unique and special, just as we knew you would be.

The other day you remarked on the solemnness and seriousness of obtaining and signing your new legal name for your marriage license—taking on Sean’s family name—Adriane Courtney Harper. It didn’t hit me until the next morning as I was driving to campus. I started to cry, wondering where all the years have gone. Well, I know where they are; they’ve been invested in you. And look who you’ve become—a beautiful, loving, caring, daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, niece, and friend and witness to the persistent and all-encompassing love of Christ. You bring all these to your marriage with Sean.

Your wedding day is the beginning of yet another chapter in your life. As the quilt given you represents, there will and needs to be challenges and celebrations in your life together with Sean. All will require your trust in the faithful, powerful, ever-present, can-only-act-in-a loving way God and Father. You have been chosen to represent Him and your marriage has been ordained to bear witness to what His committed love looks like.

You will always be a Jung (and a Joe), and now, in addition, a Harper. Now two families’ hearts will continue to be enlarged with God’s love and grace. And you will always be loved as my daughter. Some things never change.

                                                                                                With indescribable love,

                                                                                                            Mom