Chapel of Love

It was the summer of 1992, and my almost-seven-year-old daughter, Katrina, entered her painting in the art show at the county fair. A romantic since the day she was born, she painted a happy couple on their wedding day. Notice the detail on the bride's dress: red ribbons and lots of lace, a sheer veil covering her face. Looks like a crown on her head . . . is she a royal bride? She looks serene, unlike the groom, who is seriously grinning in his black suit and tophat! They share the bouquet of flowers, which is a nice touch. I'm not sure who that red-robed person is standing next to the chapel, but I assume it is the officiant. It's a beautiful day with a couple of cumulous clouds, green grass, and a very long path to (or from) the chapel.

Katrina's painting won a blue ribbon for the best painting in her age group. A picture of her and her painting were in the local paper. You can tell by her big smile that she was quite happy about it all.

Jump ahead 26 years, and Katrina is about to become a bride. I don't think there will be a crown on her head, red ribbons, or that much lace, but I'm pretty sure her future husband will be grinning as big as the groom in the picture. My little girl's dream is coming true.

Katrina is my first-born. I was late in starting a family, so I will be a slightly aged mother-of-the-bride, which doesn't bother me at all. Katrina's dad died 15 years ago; her brother will walk her down the aisle. Her sister will stand up for her. To suggest that I might cry a lot at this happy occasion would be an understatement. I assure you, those tears will be bittersweet. Sad that her father will not be sharing this event with us, but happy for my daughter and her guy. Katrina has asked me to make a toast, after a mother-daughter dance. I know that many of my readers have already experienced this . . . if you have any advice on how I can be able to see my way to the podium while my eyes are full of tears, I will appreciate your suggestions!

It is strange to look at this picture of my little girl and wonder how it can be that she is about to enter into married life. When I had children, I thought that they would remain little forever. Don't we all think that? The years go by, faster as we age, and we find ourselves reeling from the speed of mortality. I am trying hard to live in the moment and to appreciate that I am still here to enjoy this ceremonial event without going to the "what if?" place. I know that once the ceremony, the toasts, the speeches, the dances, the customs are all done, there will be celebration and joy.

And a bride and groom sharing the bouquet of marriage, walking into a life together.

I love you, Katrina and Derrek!