When Kirsten Met Carson: Socio-Political Commentary From An Unbiased Observer

By definition, this blog focuses on socio-political commentary in the City of Carson. However,  today I want to celebrate the sense of love, family, and commitment to growth that are not only cornerstones of this great city, but richly embodied in two of its citizens: Rudy and Tessa Mageo.

For the majority of the 18 years that Rudy and Tessa have been a couple, they have lived and loved in Carson, CA, recently purchasing their first home here. A self-proclaimed “Carson Girl,” Tessa, along with Rudy, have been a dedicated team providing encouragement and support to the children at Scott Park- where their children, Isaiah, Elia, and Rudi, participate in activities.

Believing that commitment does not need an audience, and that the legal bond of marriage pales in comparison to the eternal bond of unconditional love, they never felt that a ceremony was necessary. Only when it became the most practical decision, did they finally tie the knot at Norwalk Courthouse.

Disappointed by not being there to celebrate the occasion,  Leiga Samuelu, Rudy’s cousin, hatched an elaborate scheme. He decided to pretend that  he and his girlfriend, Kimberly, were engaged and planning a wedding, but in actuality the event would be a surprise wedding for Rudy and Tessa. How was this accomplished? The answer is with a lot of love, and even more luck. Leiga and Kim asked Rudy and Tessa to serve as best man and maid of honor, respectively, while friends and family joined in the ruse by making sure the happy couple did not suspect anything.

On August 14th, 2010, after much hard work on behalf of the people who love them most, Mr. and Mrs. Mageo were celebrated in an unforgettable ceremony that was a  testament to the impact they have had on the lives of others.’

It is not often that one stands in the presence of love and recognizes it by name. However, to know Rudy and Tessa is to be one of those of fortunate people. Their love is a quiet one, made even more special by its lack of ostentation and grandiosity. It is dependable, strong, and one knows that when all else fades away, it will still be standing- made stronger simply by the very fact that it continues to exist.

Lovers Rock: by Sade, has long been a song that epitomizes their relationship, and it- along with the genuine expression of love in their eyes when they renewed their vows- inspired my husband Savali to write the poem below in their honor.

Through my husband, I have been one of those blessed enough to call Rudy and Tessa “friend.”  They have inspired us as individuals- as well as a couple, and no words can fully express how much we appreciate and admire them.

Rudy and Tessa:  We love you, and wish you a forever of happiness as your love, strong and unbreakable, continues to be the Lovers Rock.

Lovers Rock Epitomized

i
looked
into his
eyes
fighting
back
tears
held in
for
18
years…
frustration
elation
fear
strength
disappointment
happiness
every
emotion
love
conjures
up…
searching
for
the
best way
to say
all she
meant
to him
the
perfect
sentiment
to
describe
their
commitment
to
each other…
i
wasn’t
surprised
to hear
him say
“just action,
it’s all it is, just action…”
cause the fact is
love does,
it moves
it changes
like sand
the past
and present
form a
rock
for the lovers’ future…
i looked into her eyes
and she
can’t hide
her cries
the ride
even
surprised
her
The Queen
describes her
King
as “everything that’s good”
strives to be
all she could
because love
commands
nothing
less
than
it gives
and it
lives
in
her…
in her
heart
in her
smile
in her
words
i heard it
felt it
every ounce
of the this
lover
clings to her
rock…
as they
walked
hand
in
hand
i
looked
into
their eyes
and saw
what
a
Lovers Rock
epitomized.

-Savali Savali III

Kirsten West Savali