The Wedding

Saturday was our oldest daughter's wedding.  It was so beautiful and many people worked so hard to make sure everything was perfect.  Of course it wasn't, but I'm probably the only one who noticed.  I think I might have slept 5 hours in the 3 days prior to the big day.  Saturday morning I awoke with the worst sinus infection.  I was beyond tired and felt horrible.  I cried twice before 10am.

We made it to the Mansion (a historical home where the wedding and reception were held) at noon and had 6 hours before the ceremony was to held.  It was the fastest 6 hours of my life.  I had my hair done by my hairdresser before I left, so I wouldn't have to worry about it.  I had to steam wrinkles out of my dress, my youngest daughter's brides maids dress and of course the wedding dress.  Then I had to fix hair for two brides maids and the bride; do my make up and the brides; finish getting myself ready and during all of this, run around and answer questions.  I am sure this is all normal stuff for all mothers of the bride.  I could not have done it without the help of my family and close friends.

But as I sat and watched my daughter emerge at the top of the stairs with her dad (in his dress blues) I realized that nothing else mattered.  It had all be about this moment.  The string quartet played and I watched as they came down the stairs and then the isle.   After he gave her away to the groom, he sat next to me and took my hand in his.  He had tears on his cheeks.  Later he would say it was hot and he was sweating but I know better.

So my husband, who is completely incapable of feeling............ can feel.  And this means there is hope.  And any hope, regardless of how small....... is Hope.