The Big Day

I didn't know I would have company at my house, but I do. One of the groom's men slept with Kiel out in a tent in the side yard. I get a call from son with screaming child, and have to go lend a hand there. Please don't make me late! I have been assigned a time to arrive at the church, just to provide the bride with peace of mind that everyone is where they are supposed to be. After taking care of the needs of grandchildren, I head home to shower. I will have just enough time.

But no. The shower is occupied. Repeatedly. We have to squeeze four separate showers into the allotted time. I try not to get anxious. After all, one of them is the groom and they won't start without him. The groom's man who slept over is having an issue with his shoes. They smell like cat urine. He calls the tux rental place. They tell him to come in and exchange them. Suddenly I have to get Drew to the church on time, and he is supposed to be there before I am. I still haven't showered (is there hot water left?), but Drew is beside himself.

Not to worry. You have plenty of time. The other groom's man won't be there on time either. Let the groom go so he at least will be able to have time to calm down and regain his composure. I shoo them out the door and rush into the shower. Quick, quick, quick. Deep breath. Exhale. I am OK. Clean, appropriately dressed, ready.

Drew wants to drive and his impatience and desire to want to meet his assigned arrival time makes him peal out of the driveway on two wheels. Whoa! Slow down. Everything will be fine. The wedding is not for a whole hour and a half. We are only ten minutes away. Relax!! Drew gets dropped at the door and I park. I meet up with screaming grandson and parents, and we hang together for awhile. I am privileged to be asked to visit the bride in her chambers to be part of the preparations. What joy and happiness floats among the organza and flowers.

Then I go back downstairs to wait for my time to be seated. Since my son is no where to be found, the bride's brother seats me and I can finally take a deep breath. Phew! I look at the mother of the bride, and we two ascend the stairs to the unity candle and together light it from our individual candles. We smile, comrades in the affair, happy to see our children happy.

I descend the stairs, managing not to trip, and sit. Then the chords resound and we stand and turn to see the bride coming down the aisle on her father's arm. She is breath taking. Beautiful. The essence of charm and grace. Classic. The wedding unfolds like something out of a story book. Everything is perfect.

The pastors share wonderful stories about the bride and groom growing up, about their personalities, about their faith and how they believe this match to be one that will withstand the test of time. Somehow, I believe too. Somehow I see my son in a new way, more grown up, ready to take on this new role. Someone who will be what is needed for his sweetheart.

I come close to crying with pride and relief and joy and wonder. They show their commitment to community with sand art done with their best man and maid of honor. They take communion together for the first time as man and wife. And then they are kissing. What a tender and gentle kiss. You can almost feel their love in a tangible way. If the candles had not already been lighted, they would have combusted spontaneously as the couple walked arm in arm down the aisle, faces beaming. Wow.

I had no idea that weddings were so different when you are the mother of the groom! They are unique, this new family. They chose to have their friends pop bubble wrap as they drove off in lieu of throwing rice or blowing bubbles. What an explosive sendoff!

I admit I went home and rested after the wedding and before the reception. Though I was still tired, I thoroughly enjoyed the reception. I got to chat with my brother and his wife, saw relatives I have not seen in awhile, drank some soda, was able to eat many of the foods served, and had cake. I think the best moment was the dance with Kiel. He and I chatted and it felt like a whole new world. I enjoyed the whole dance. Afterwards, since I had had so much fun dancing with Kiel, I made Drew dance with me too.

It was all wonderful wonderful wonderful. I practically floated home and drifted off to sleep happy that the day had been everything promised and then some. Wouldn't it be something if we could have these kinds of days more often! Joyous celebrations are worth their weight in gold. What an amazing day.