It seems just like yesterday that I first wrote and shared the news that my little girl is getting married. It all came up so fast that I can hardly take a breath. Tomorrow is the big day. May 23 2009 at 5:00 pm in the little Baptist church on the corner where my husband and I took our vows. I've been on an emotional roller coaster since the first dress fitting. She looked beautiful then, when she picked out the dress. That was back in August 2008. There she was, all in white, with a lovely red sash around the waist. Gosh, how did I create something so beautiful! Now, it's the night of the rehearsal. We ran through it twice and everyone is ready, except me. My stomach is tied up in knots and I feel like she's slipping further away. The in-laws are the most kind and loving people anyone could ask for. I know this union is of God because for her to have an extended family this precious can only be something straight out of Heaven. As I look at her across the table from me at the rehearsal supper, I no longer see a little girl, she's blossomed into a beautiful Christian woman.
He sits there next to her, all starry eyed and so much in love. I know he will keep her grounded and they will always put God first. I know she will adore him and love him like Christ loved the church. He's strong and handsome, gentle and kind, thrifty and fun. I know she would walk through an alligator infested swamp just to bring him a glass of lemonade and he would do the same for her. How do I let her go? She has been my rock, my best friend and my helpmate. As I light candles tomorrow, how do I turn and hand him the tiny Lilly-white hand that has held mine all of these years? My stomach feels as if it has a thousand butterfly's trapped inside of it and I have cried so may tears that I don' t think there are any more but they will be here, slowly running down my cheeks tomorrow.
I wonder about the journey she will embark on soon. It will be filled with rough patches and tall hills, soft grass and breathtaking valleys. They will lean on each other through the hard times, reaching for Jesus, learning to be more like him. He will be there in their lives, leading, laughing, teaching and hugging them.
My daughter is getting married tomorrow. She will get a husband, I will gain a son and for a few hours, everything in our lives will be perfect! What a joyous occasion it will be! As always, Freedancer
