And then there were six.

My sixth child, youngest son Tyler, was wedded to the love of his life last Saturday. Megan Gylling Cerny became my sixth daughter that day.

It was also fitting that Tyler paid maybe his sixth trip to the SLV Health emergency room the day before the wedding after stabbing himself in the left hand while decorating the wedding reception area. Four or five stitches later and a brace to stabilize his hand, and all were left to wonder how Megan would get the ring on his finger the next day. It happened.

This couple was made for each other. They share so much. Hunting, fishing, camping, anything outdoors, they enjoy together. Heck, they even got lost on an elk hunting trip last fall on Greenie mountain, but both being experienced, they found their way out.

Still waiting to complete their respective degrees at Adams State University, both Tyler and Megan are Porter Scholars and may go on to pursue their Masters degrees. Regardless, there is no doubt in this dad’s mind that they will excel at whatever they pursue, because they already have.

Tyler’s internships with the BLM last summer and Colorado Parks and Wildlife this summer pad his resume for his pursuit of employment as a wildlife biologist, according to a high-ranking BLM official.

The ceremony at Cattails Golf Course was beautiful, officiated by Jeff Owsley. This was the fourth “Cerny” wedding that Jeff conducted in the last 11 years, including my own, and my oldest and youngest daughters.

Interestingly, it rained during or immediately after all four ceremonies. Jeff needs to be called on to officiate weddings in drought-stricken areas.

Both were accomplished athletes in high school; Megan in volleyball and Tyler in football, wrestling and baseball. Hence the previous visits to the ER with a couple of concussions and foot/ankle injuries, the previous latest being a severe high ankle sprain that ended his scholarship baseball dream at ASU.

One of my best memories of spending time with these newlyweds was a trip to Wichita, KS five years ago when Tyler was invited to an exclusive baseball tryout camp in front of nearly 100 baseball coaches from NCAA Div. I and II schools, as well as those from NAIA and junior college programs.

Megan and I watched, basking in 110-degree temperatures in the shade, while Tyler and many others tried to impress college coaches under the blazing sun. I don’t think an air-conditioned hotel room ever felt better.

Together with my older son Zach and his blushing bride, Tyler has become somewhat of an expert duck hunter, collecting dozens of birds annually and perfecting duck breast jerky as well as other wild culinary delights. Megan has killed more elk than him, but it still puts meat in the freezer.

Having watched all six of my children say their wedding vows with many a happy tear shed, I am one proud father. There is no doubt that Tyler and Megan will live happily ever after.