Minutes before I left the Super 8 Motel to head over to Tim’s wedding, my Uncle Bud and I spent up precious time exchanging texts. Lilly had just thrown up again and it was now only a matter of hours until she was supposed to be a flower girl. I gave Bud updates on her condition and he gave me Billy Idol lyrics. “Hope she feels better. Poor baby. BTW, it’s a nice day for a white wedding”.
And it was a nice day, an incredible day, a joyful day. As the song says: “a nice day to start again.” Tim and Kelita began their journey together as husband and wife. Two familes joined together. Many of us were introduced to unfamiliar traditions (the ceremony was full of Jewish symbolism and meaning). Family members patched things up with each other or at least began the process. Some of us met for the first time. I got to look into the blue eyes of my preemie niece, Ainsley, on her first big outing and begin the process of trying to make her think I’m cool.
After Bud’s Billy Idol text, I handed my daughter off to Aunt Merry, who got Lilly’s hair untangled and her fever cooled with meds, TLC and a cool bath. It officially broke when Lilly’s cousin Stella arrived to cheer her up. Lilly rode over to the Country Club, got in her dress (a purple/white mini version of Kelita’s), got her hair done and her fancy shoes on. I cried when I saw my little princess, knowing that someday I’ll be giving her away in marriage. I kind of hate that fact. When I can’t get a moment to myself, though, it sounds okay.
I’m a private guy and a hermit but I was surprised at how heavenly it was to be smacked right into the middle of my big, crazy family. Not a damn moment to myself all weekend but who cared? Lilly and I were loved and in love and it was all perfectly imperfect. A nice day to start again.
And it was a nice day, an incredible day, a joyful day. As the song says: “a nice day to start again.” Tim and Kelita began their journey together as husband and wife. Two familes joined together. Many of us were introduced to unfamiliar traditions (the ceremony was full of Jewish symbolism and meaning). Family members patched things up with each other or at least began the process. Some of us met for the first time. I got to look into the blue eyes of my preemie niece, Ainsley, on her first big outing and begin the process of trying to make her think I’m cool.
After Bud’s Billy Idol text, I handed my daughter off to Aunt Merry, who got Lilly’s hair untangled and her fever cooled with meds, TLC and a cool bath. It officially broke when Lilly’s cousin Stella arrived to cheer her up. Lilly rode over to the Country Club, got in her dress (a purple/white mini version of Kelita’s), got her hair done and her fancy shoes on. I cried when I saw my little princess, knowing that someday I’ll be giving her away in marriage. I kind of hate that fact. When I can’t get a moment to myself, though, it sounds okay.
I’m a private guy and a hermit but I was surprised at how heavenly it was to be smacked right into the middle of my big, crazy family. Not a damn moment to myself all weekend but who cared? Lilly and I were loved and in love and it was all perfectly imperfect. A nice day to start again.
To Tim and Kelita! May your marriage be long and joyous!
And here's the trailer for my upcoming short John Harry's Bride:
(Lilly photo by Wendee Schmitke)
