Making my way from Point A to Point B

"Here comes the bride...." My mom taught me some words that go with the tune of a traditional bridal processional. In my car one day this summer, I heard a song that sounded like a fun way to get to the place where Keith and I will say our vows. The third movement of the Karelia Suite is one of the tracks on a CD that PO gave me a couple of years ago. I was just listening to the CD in the car when that song caught me by surprise. I wasn't looking for a wedding march, but there was mine, in my CD player!

Getting from the edge of Washington Park to the front will be a symbolic walk for me. Jay and I will start down the steps, just the two of us. That's how it was for a long time in my life: Jay was the first friend I had. We were side by side through so many things. He taught me my first lessons about loyalty and trust in friends. Because of those lessons and gifts from him, I had the tools to be in friendship with other people.

The rest of my friends who will gather at our wedding came into my life after Jay and I were friends. I'll walk through the crowd, giving hugs, handshakes, and high fives. Those people are the ones who brought me closer to the moment that I could marry Keith. They have laughed with me, taught me and learned from me, supported me and accepted my support, and gave me their loyalty and trust as they accepted mine for them. They will do those things again before I get to Keith at our wedding.

Then, I'll get to the front where my family will watch closest of all. My mom has always watched and stood close, whether I could see her or not. Ed, too. Jay will be there with a front row seat because there's always been one with his name on it. Lucy and Virginia will round out the family section because of their near and dear presence in my life for the last several years. These five people will send me on my way to greet the deepest human love of my entire life!

As Keith watches it all, he will see people who have known me longer than he has. Those people have learned things about me that they can teach him. They have done their best to prepare me for the days that Keith and I spend together, and they will be there to cheer us on together just like they have cheered me on for many years.

Even as I make my promises to Keith, four people will be within arm's reach: PO, Nikki, Melissa, and Lynne. What treasures they are! I've written about them already on this blog.

And, then there will be Keith, promising to be loyal, to teach me and to be taught by me, to trust me and to be trustworthy, to laugh with me, to support me and to accept my support, to be there whether or not I can see him, and to be near for our lifetime. I will make those same promises to him.

What an amazing way to begin our marriage! I have a rich, rich life!