Married

My lovely niece (my little niece whom it seems just years ago was toddling around and answering to the nickname "Bean") is getting married. To a wonderful guy. This last weekend she, my other lovely niece (and the maid-of-honor), my mother, sister and the bride's mother-in-law to be went shopping for wedding dresses.

Regardless of how often such a feeling occurs, it is continually amazing to me how one can be catapulted back in time by the evocation of similarity. The dresses, the excitement, the standing in front of the mirror propped on the riser...it took me back instantaneously to the moments I was preparing for my wedding.

I was a pretty relaxed bride. I had never really expected to get married, so I hadn't been planning for the day since I was five. But then I met Fred and, well, as they say, things just fell into place (after six years of dating off and on). As far as the proposal (I proposed to him) and the wedding went, things just fell into place. I wasn't too concerned about the details. I didn't mind if things didn't go quite as planned. All I cared about was that I was given an opportunity to wear a fancy dress and I was marrying the person I loved.

I am not terribly sentimental, but when I saw Bethany trying on those lovely dresses I got a bit weepy. I cannot say enough times how lucky I realize I am. I married a wonderful and generous man; one who has always been willing to put himself on the line, who had stuck with me through everything, who is a remarkable father and a dedicated husband. I know how lucky I am. I know how precious my husband and daughter are to me and how many, many people are not so fortunate.

I just want to thank you Fred. I am happy we got married. Seven years. It's gone so fast.