Something Old, Something New

We went to a wedding this weekend. It was more than a wedding, it was a coming together of old friends, new friends and of family. It was a celebration of growing up together and growing on. Stories were shared, good times remembered and lots more memories made.

It is a testament to the groom and his family that over one hundred Okies traveled to Cape Cod for the event. I think the beautiful bride's Mother and Dad were a little surprised with the exodus from Oklahoma to Falmouth, Massachusetts. Shoot. Six hours on a plane, four hours in between and then getting to the Cape are nothing to these intrepid and determined wedding guests. We were invited to dance at a wedding, and dance at a wedding we would.

My son was a groomsmen, as were six other local boys. They may live all over the country now, but they stood with their dear friend as he married the love of his life. As this group of handsome and successful young men stood at the altar with the groom, I couldn't help but reminisce, I couldn't help but remember. Batman birthday parties, rickety tree houses, Little League Baseball and tennis lessons. Then there were driver licenses, late night phone calls and ornery things I don't even want to know about. At last, (whew) High School Graduation. We Mothers waved goodbye as they went to their respective colleges and rejoiced at their drive and their success. Now, they are living their lives without us; careers, falling in love, and starting families. Without their Mothers!? Get ready readers. It happens.

Enjoy these times while your children are still home. They won't always be. Cultivate and encourage positive friends and relationships for your kids. It will put them in good stead for a lifetime. Work to keep the lines of communication open while they are still with you. That way, the phone will ring and the door will open when your children no longer live with you. Make traditions out of life events that they remember and won't want to miss. I don't know about you, but Christmas is a lot more Christmasy when everyone is home!

I plan to dance at many weddings. I plan to buy lots of baby gifts. I plan to still take a lot of pictures. These times are precious, just as when my children were small. Life is good and every single day is a blessing. chrissie (The picture is of The Mayflower II. We stopped in Plymouth and saw "The Rock." Walked the Freedom Walk in Boston. The history of our country, right there! Ate lobster the size of a baseball mitt at Martha's Vineyard. Bought a lot of T-shirts. Always a tourist...)