As I continue to throw up into a waste basket the photographer’s wife burst into the room and said, “Honey, did nobody come and get you? Your bridesmaids are already in the church. I jump to my feet and gather the tail of my dress across one arm and hold my nephew’s had in the other. As we are running around the country church through a graveled parking lot a little voice says, “Uh, oh.” The flurry of activity comes to an immediate stop as we all begin to search through gravel for the wedding rings that had seconds before been tied to the pillow in DJ’s hand. So precious and handsome in his tiny tux with tails he finds the rings and we tie them once again in their place on the pillow.
We make it to the front of the church to a proud, happy, nervous, and brokenhearted daddy waiting to walk his little girl down the aisle to present her to another man. No longer will their relationship be the same. This moment marks her passage into adulthood.
If I had known then what I now know I would have spent my day differently. I would have spent some time alone with each of my parents. I would write them a letter thanking them for their love and support. I would share some time with my sister. I would find my way to my sweet groom and let him wrap his arms around me providing the reassurance that I so needed. I would not drink warm water when there was cold sweet punch waiting in the adjoining building.
The couple in that photo are not the same couple who lay in bed tonight. I am no longer that meek, quiet girl who is afraid of upsetting the plan. He is no longer the same energetic freespirited young man. We have grown in age and we have grown in wisdom as well. Wrinkles are beginning to form deeper creases on our faces everyday. We snore, his hair has turned a distinguished shade of grey, and I have not only come completely out of my shell, I actually threw the sucker away. But with all the changes that have transpired one thing remains. We still look at each other with that same love in our eyes. I know, get over it, that is so sappy. Well, it may be sappy but it certainly is true. I love you, sweetheart.
Today, Tommorrow, Always
Sweetpea