Boys and Girls, It's Wedding Season
Dear M&M,
Once again, we have arrived in Wedding season. As I wrote a couple years ago, we love weddings. Dancing, food, fun, drinks, and acting crazy! It is all that is good in life, rolled up into one crazy night. From the moment a man learns he is going to become a Dad, a lot of things pop through his head, especially moments he will be proud of. For me, while sports and graduating college deserve honorable mentions as things I pictured, I couldn't help but think of dancing like a maniac with my offspring.
I pictured each one of you out on the dance floor, loud and proud, making friends and making a fool out of yourselves. I am also a realist, so even though I dreamed you were good at dancing, odds were you were doomed to have my (lack of) coordination. Either way, you guys should be out there going for it, and as the dream has become realized, you have not disappointed.
Wedding #1 was with your Mom's cousin, and was a total blast. Your Mom and I ditched you guys (sorry), for the wedding itself, which was a gorgeous outdoor affair. Then we caught back up, and it was off to the races. We started off with a classic Southern Illinois meal staple: fried chicken. From there, it was on to a few adult drinks for me, and a lots of dancing for all of us. You two nearly brought a tear to my eye, because as the low key music played before it was time to dance, you guys were already cutting a rug on the dance floor.
You were the first ones out there, all dressed up nice, with huge smiles, and plenty of invites for all. Unfortunately, you were not also the last ones on the dance floor, because the Legion Hall in St. Libory stays open later than you could manage. But, you still made me proud, because you passed out near the dance floor, like a couple of pro athletes laying exhausted on their field of battle after a strong victory.
Wedding #2 came with a little more responsibility, as you were asked to participate in the forms of a Ring Bearer, and the Flower Girl for Daddy's cousin. With lots of practice, you two (mostly) did a great job. The only error was after all the practicing, Mags finished her route as flower girl, then sprinted back up the aisle to retrieve the flowers (just like we practiced). Luckily, a few quick steps and I had you before anyone noticed.
Any other possible disaster was avoided, as 4 years experience (yikes) as parents has finally prepared your Mom and and I. 3 years ago, I wrote how we "will never fully be prepared". Looks like your Mom has proved me wrong. With a bag full of toys, and another bag full of snacks, we managed to fight through a half hour without any outbursts. Marshall did slide under the pews a few times, and really wanted to "go swimming" in the Holy Water, but those are minor.
After the formalities were over, we headed to take pictures, and you guys slept through 45 mins of it, but showed up for the last 5 ready to roll. And then, finally, it was time for the reception. We entered the banquet hall in Belleville ready to destroy the place. We got some bowls of candy, and once again, you 2 were the first ones to hit the dance floor. The music was some sort of relaxing jazz music until the wedding party showed up, but that didn't stop you. It was time.
After a brief intermission for you guys to push your dinner plates aside and slam even more candy, and some more fighting during the formal ceremonies (Father-Daughter Dance, speeches, etc.) it was time to once again, kill the dance floor. You guys managed to get to the stage on the side many times, which was literally the only place you were not allowed to go. Outside of that, it was all dances, with many different partners. You made this old Dad so proud.
On a more serious note, the Father of the Bride gave a very touching speech about giving his daughter away, shortly before sharing a dance with her. As Maggie stood between me and the dance, I would be lying if I said something got in my eyes, causing them to water up. While I try to soak up every moment, this crazy life is going to fly by, and my pride in both of you is only going to grow. On one hand, I wish I could slow it down, and on the other, I can't wait to see how it turns out.
And maybe, that is what Weddings really are all about. While dancing, eating, and drinking are my favorite things, maybe the real reason we love Weddings is because you are sappy romantics like me. A huge congratulations is in order to the beautiful brides, and their loving husbands, starting their lives together.
Life goes by with many amazing days, but the ones where we slow down and take the opportunity to celebrate them are special, in a different way. Plus, tearing up in formal dress wear on such a big day while we celebrate something so special sounds way better than tearing up while I watch you sleep, or hear a song on the radio that reminds of you guys while I'm driving by myself.
Thanks for reading.
Love,
Dad
Once again, we have arrived in Wedding season. As I wrote a couple years ago, we love weddings. Dancing, food, fun, drinks, and acting crazy! It is all that is good in life, rolled up into one crazy night. From the moment a man learns he is going to become a Dad, a lot of things pop through his head, especially moments he will be proud of. For me, while sports and graduating college deserve honorable mentions as things I pictured, I couldn't help but think of dancing like a maniac with my offspring.
Wedding #1 was with your Mom's cousin, and was a total blast. Your Mom and I ditched you guys (sorry), for the wedding itself, which was a gorgeous outdoor affair. Then we caught back up, and it was off to the races. We started off with a classic Southern Illinois meal staple: fried chicken. From there, it was on to a few adult drinks for me, and a lots of dancing for all of us. You two nearly brought a tear to my eye, because as the low key music played before it was time to dance, you guys were already cutting a rug on the dance floor.
You were the first ones out there, all dressed up nice, with huge smiles, and plenty of invites for all. Unfortunately, you were not also the last ones on the dance floor, because the Legion Hall in St. Libory stays open later than you could manage. But, you still made me proud, because you passed out near the dance floor, like a couple of pro athletes laying exhausted on their field of battle after a strong victory.
Wedding #2 came with a little more responsibility, as you were asked to participate in the forms of a Ring Bearer, and the Flower Girl for Daddy's cousin. With lots of practice, you two (mostly) did a great job. The only error was after all the practicing, Mags finished her route as flower girl, then sprinted back up the aisle to retrieve the flowers (just like we practiced). Luckily, a few quick steps and I had you before anyone noticed.
After the formalities were over, we headed to take pictures, and you guys slept through 45 mins of it, but showed up for the last 5 ready to roll. And then, finally, it was time for the reception. We entered the banquet hall in Belleville ready to destroy the place. We got some bowls of candy, and once again, you 2 were the first ones to hit the dance floor. The music was some sort of relaxing jazz music until the wedding party showed up, but that didn't stop you. It was time.
After a brief intermission for you guys to push your dinner plates aside and slam even more candy, and some more fighting during the formal ceremonies (Father-Daughter Dance, speeches, etc.) it was time to once again, kill the dance floor. You guys managed to get to the stage on the side many times, which was literally the only place you were not allowed to go. Outside of that, it was all dances, with many different partners. You made this old Dad so proud.
On a more serious note, the Father of the Bride gave a very touching speech about giving his daughter away, shortly before sharing a dance with her. As Maggie stood between me and the dance, I would be lying if I said something got in my eyes, causing them to water up. While I try to soak up every moment, this crazy life is going to fly by, and my pride in both of you is only going to grow. On one hand, I wish I could slow it down, and on the other, I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Life goes by with many amazing days, but the ones where we slow down and take the opportunity to celebrate them are special, in a different way. Plus, tearing up in formal dress wear on such a big day while we celebrate something so special sounds way better than tearing up while I watch you sleep, or hear a song on the radio that reminds of you guys while I'm driving by myself.
Thanks for reading.
Love,
Dad
Comments
Post a Comment