Nonetheless, I have resolved to continue in my quest for a better (healthier and happier) me, even if it kills me.
August was a very busy month for the owners of the bridal shop. Not just because of business, but because of the up-coming wedding nuptials of the owner's oldest daughter (and co-owner's sister) Kristen, and her beau Danny, at the end of the month. So, on the last Saturday of August, instead of the usual business of preparing for the wedding of others, the bridal shop was closed to celebrate a wedding of it's own.
The morning of the wedding brought with it not only the announcement of a special celebration but also the arrival of hurricane Irene. She made her presence known quietly, though, as a fine warm mist against the country estate background of the outdoor nuptials. The gentle drizzle brought a blessing of it's own, enriching the senses of sight and sound and subduing any sunlight that might have drained the deep colors of green, purple and white that surrounded the guests. In addition, Irene politely held back the wind (that came much later in the day) as if a personal gift to the bride and groom.
We all sat under the comfort of white tents and listened to the officiating minister talk to the couple about "showers" of blessings. It all played out as if nature had listened in on the wedding plans and had decided to orchestrate it's own gifted part in the ceremony.
As I watched the happy couple kissing for the first time as husband and wife, I thought of my own two daughters. I quietly prayed to God, asking that he would allow them to experience this blessed and sacred event for themselves one day.
As the newlywed couple walked hand in hand down the cobblestone walkway, my prayer continued for each of my girls.
I asked that God would bring into each of their lives a man that would truly love and cherish her, a man that would cup her face in his hands and look at her...truly look at her...as a person...and the woman he loves. May he be the kind of man to hold her and protect her and to gently kiss her on her forehead and tell her what a beautiful person she is because he really sees her that way. And may he be someone who is honest about his short-comings and man enough to say he is sorry when he's wrong.
That's the true blessing of marriage...a man cherishing his bride and being blessed ten times over in return. I've seen this happen over and over with this special family and I'm sure I'll see it again with Kristen and Danny.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Garcia!
