Dear Reverend Miller,

When we got home from yoga Tuesday night, 2 of my favorite people in the world were waiting for me. They had just recently gotten engaged and I was very excited to see them and congratulate them and see the RING!!! These two kids hold a special place in my heart because they were instrumental in making some of the plays I've done extraordinary. I became really close to them when doing "Children of Eden". Matt's portrayal of God was inspirational-- and Jaime's Yonah was a work of art. That whole cast became so close but I really felt a strong bond with Matt since he had just directed Joseph for PGSTT and this was my first REAL Directing gig. I had done a lot of back seat directing and art directing and producing but was stepping out on a limb and taking a front seat... Matt would come by and put his hand on my shoulder when things went just the way we wanted them to and he would nod in his knowing God way and let me know that it was going to be good. We worked together as co-directors on "Into the Woods" and later did "Love Song" and he and Jaime were just so willing to help and do & be all that I asked-- I just love working with them!

We've spent many a "Miller Movie Night" with them and gone to their plays and they just feel like family, you know? Jaime is just so sweet and loving-- an extra daughter, I am so excited for them that they are going to be married. And I was so thrilled when Jaime texted me and let me know right away, it's so cool to feel a part of it. Little did I know...

So, after all the hugs and oohhs and ahhhs, Matt & Jaime ask if they can speak with me alone in the Spirit Room. I'm thinking uh oh, there's something bad about PGSTT doing JCS... or ... well, I don't really know what I was thinking but it seemed really bad... sort of like being called to the principal's office...

We sit down.

Matt: Linda, you know we hold you in very high esteem, right?

Me: gulp, Yes?

Jaime: Would you do us the honor of marrying us?

Me: WHAT??? OH MY GOSH!!! REALLY???

And then of course, YES but wait a minute, I'm not a Reverend. Well, I wasn't....

They had done some research and found out in the state of Maryland that an online ordination is legal and since Matt is Catholic and Jaime is Jewish and their own churches/synagogues won't marry them (how silly) they want to create their own sacred space and have me do the ceremony and vows. Me. I don't mind telling you, I was completely touched. Like to tears. Like even now. Talk amongst yourselves. I said to them, "are you sure you want me? you know I'm gonna cry" They both just laughed and assured me that was okay. "we know". Of course, they've seen me cry many times before... I feel things deeply OK? Sheesh.

So, I went online and applied for ordination from the Universal Life Church (seems fitting) and received this email last night:

Dear Rev. Miller ,

This is to confirm that

Linda Gail Miller

has been ordained as a minister of the
Universal Life Church, Modesto, California.

Date of Ordination: 04/23/08
by Kevin Andrews, Pastor

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I like that they didn't even spell out Reverend. I'm more like a Rev. I did a bit of research myself and found out that not only can I perform marriage ceremonies, I can do baptisms, renewal of vows, and even funerals. It seems a bit crazy. But if GOD asks you to become a Reverend.... I mean, how are you going to say no?

I hope I do them justice. I hope I don't cry my eyes out. I hope they know how much I love them both. And I hope they have a happy life together.

Since I'm a Reverend now, does that mean my prayers have a more direct line??? Just kidding. And don't worry, you can still call me just plain old Linda. LOL!

One last thing: why am I overcome with the desire to do a play now?