she slipped her feet quietly out of bed, gazing out at the sunny day that was upon her. she stretched and breathed a deep, glorious breath. she exhaled, simultaneously letting the air go and thanking her Father for this-this moment, this man, their friends and family, this day.
she wanted to move slowly through the hours. her friends had told her their days were just a blur; activities and people, and stress. she opted out of that. she understood, at least somewhat, of the depth of commitment, the strength of mind and heart, and the longevity of love that she was about to pledge to her man-her prince. and promises like these should not be taken lightly. not when so many fail around them, not when they both waited so long to find each other. not when so much was at stake.
she knew the first person she wanted to see. yes, some may say it's bad luck, but she didn't believe in all that. she tiptoed out of her room, walking quietly through the cabin of still-sleeping guests. they had arranged the time and place. and there he was, already back from his run.
they hugged for a long time, each taking in the weight of the day, feeling the holiness that sometimes humans are privy to on earth. as if mesmerized by a beautiful dance or a perfect harmony, they felt heaven open up, allowing them to drink great draughts of love, of joy, of peace.
they settled in on the deck, blankets, coffee, and bible in hand. they read and prayed together. They laughed about what the day would bring, already excited about the mixture of friends and family, from near and from far. Then they kissed goodbye, or was it more, “see ya later”; recognizing the next time they would kiss would be as man & wife.
She headed back inside, glowing from the joy she felt, grateful for all her Father had done to bring them here. Friends and family were slowing waking up, rubbing the sleep from their eyes and shuffling into the living room. she gathered blankets and mats for all the women and they headed outside. her friend took the reins and led them in a yoga flow, while the glory of the mountains and the fresh wooded air vied for their attention, the sun slowly warming them up as their muscles flexed and stretched.
These were her women-the ones she’d been blessed to know over many years, trials, and accomplishments. Later they made breakfast together, drinking mimosas laughing, crying, and praying. For the greatness of the day was not lost on any of them-no most had been here before too, and were gazing from the other side. They huddled around her for prayers, they sang worship songs, and ridiculous songs, they ate delicious brunches and she reveled in the fact that all her favorites were in one place.
Her mom helped her slip on the dress. It was perfect, and would wow her prince for sure. She breathed a slow breath, knowing her dad was about to come in to escort her. The symbolism had so touched her at other weddings, and she knew the weight of what this would mean to her. She blinked back tears and turned. Her dad was there with the biggest smile she’d seen. He too, had waited for this moment. Twenty-eight years of prayers had brought them to this day.
She hugged & prayed with her parents, readied herself, slipped her arm in her dad’s elbow and they were off. “Slowly by slowly” she thought. “I want to remember every step.”
Her dad walked her outside, down the steps, and they turned toward the pathway. “Slowly by slowly,” she told him. They walked, arm in arm, and then, finally, she saw him. Her prince, watching, waiting, ready. His grin full of joy, bid her come. she reached his side, her father hugged her, hugged him, and released her unto his arms. Twenty eight years of prayers for the one her father could trust to take care of his Sweets.
She took her prince’s arm, and they slid off their shoes. This was now holy ground. They turned down the path once more, lined with groups of their friends and family. This was no ordinary couple, and they planned no ordinary day. They took their time, pausing at each group. Their friends and family offered words of wisdom for the pair, some even praying over them. “Slowly by slowly” they thought. They took in every word, every prayer, passing from one group to the other as they made their way down the path.
When they reached the end, his friends were there waiting to perform the vows. They had written notes to each other, pledges of friendship and forgiveness, of teamwork and love. They exchanged rings and grasped hands. He looked into her eyes-the first of forevers. And then, the kiss! Oh, how the cheers rang out on that pathway! For love has a way of bringing people together, reigniting hope, and bringing light to life.
Then all made their way back toward the cabin, she and her, prince hand-in-hand, laughing and talking with those they loved. “Slowly by slowly” she thought. “I want to remember everything.”
The cabin was a bustle of friends and family grabbing their special dishes they’d made for the day. The time for feasting had come! Wine was poured, food was served, and everyone settled in, close to each other, to eat and fellowship. She gazed at all the faces, and breathed out. “Thank you, thank you!” she whispered the prayer. “I could not be more blessed.”
The toasts rang out-she and her prince giving cheers and accolades to all who had meant so much in their lives. The feast turned to dancing, an all out party on the lawn, in the cabin. White lights hung over the revelers, shining their twinkling beams of hope. The stars burst forth from their hiding spots in the sky and as her prince twirled her round and round, she gazed up. “Thank you, thank you!” she breathed.
