A Blending of Cultures
By Hal Haralson
[Hal Haralson practices law in Austin and religion wherever he is. He is a frequent contributor to Christian Ethics Today.]
"Pops, can we talk to you for a minute?"
Our son, Brad, and his fiancée, Rachel Jasso, were flush with the excitement of planning their wedding set for July 12, 1997, in San Angelo.
I had overheard some of their plans. Particularly the blending of the Hispanic and Anglo cultures by the use of traditions of both in the wedding.
"Pops, we want you to speak at our wedding."
Silence….
"What do you mean, speak?"
"You`ll have ten minutes….Any subject you want. The only restriction; no Wal-Mart jokes."
Brad and Rachel had met in the check-out line at Wal-Mart in San Antonio. Everyone who knew them had heard that story.
"Of course I`ll do it. Are you sure that`s what you want?"
Brad`s reply was emphatic. "We`ve talked it over at length. It`s what we want."
I`ve had many speaking assignments in my lifetime, but nothing like this. I never heard of someone "speaking" at a wedding.
I wrestled with the assignment for nearly a month and got nowhere. What could I say to my son and his bride that would enhance the blending of cultures theme they had chosen?
I woke one night with a song on my mind. I hadn`t thought of it in years. The song…Some Enchanted Evening. I knew what I was going to do.
The minister spoke to nearly 500 people who filled the First Christian Church of San Angelo. "Brad and Rachel have asked Brad`s father to speak."
That was it. I was on.
I was choked with emotion as I looked out over the crowd. It took a moment to control my sobs so I could speak. I began.
"I was having lunch in the Marimont Cafeteria on 38th Street in Austin. I looked across the room and saw James Michener. He was eating alone.
"When I finished my meal, I went by Michener`s table and introduced myself. `Mr. Michener, I have enjoyed your writing for years and have read all your books.`
"He was nearly 90 years old but replied enthusiastically, `Sit down, tell me about yourself. Which of my books is your favorite?`
"`That`s easy,` I replied. `The Source has always been my favorite. I love the way you use the layers of the archaeological `dig` to tell the story of the blending of cultures in the Middle East.`
"`It`s my favorite, too,` said Michener. We talked for a few more minutes and I moved on.
"Michener wrote over 40 books. His most famous was his first, Tales of the South Pacific. It won him the Pulitzer Prize.
"This book became a famous Broadway musical, South Pacific. The musical has several memorable songs. One stands out in my mind. It`s called Some Enchanted Evening.
"Those of you with gray hair remember the words. For those too young to remember, they go like this:
Some enchanted evening,
You may see a stranger.
You may see a stranger across a crowded room.
And, somehow you`ll know
You`ll know even then
That somewhere you`ll see her
Again and again.
Once you have found her
Never let her go.
Once you have found her
Never let her go.
(I started to choke again), "A beautiful, romantic ballad."
"No less beautiful, no less romantic, if we substitute for across a crowded room` with `in the check-out line at Wal-Mart.`"
Spontaneous applause.
Brad and Rachel`s love for each other succeeded in bringing the two cultures, Hispanic and Anglo together.
The theme had been captured. The cultures are blending.
