Capturing a Moment

On the morning of August 21st I was driven by my two best friends away from my home towards my future.  The only action required on my behalf was cooperation as I was escorted to a room where my friends skillfully coiffed my hair, applied a generous amount of makeup to my face and placed me inside  a white wedding dress.

In what seemed like a breath of time later the wedding coordinator stepped into the ladies' chamber.  "OK. It's all about you now.  We're ready."

I stepped out into the living room of the large estate where the guests sat, their backs to me.  There were rows lined up of white chairs on a carpet of green grass.  Quite a few guests had pulled their seats out of the sun and into the shade of the large oak trees.  Everyone was up front.  And waiting.  On the left back side stood my childhood friend of fifteen years singing and playing her guitar.  The man I loved stood by the minister, smiling and relaxed.  

Me?  I was standing at the door, holding up my father, rehearsing the one line he needed to deliver.  "Her mother and I."

The wedding coordinator took three long strides towards me.  "Off you go."

"No.  It's a long song.  I chose it on purpose.  They can wait."

I wasn't sure how she interpreted my words, but I didn't care in the least bit.  This was the only time I planned on performing this ritual in my life, and I wanted the moment to last.  I gazed from left to right to take a panoramic picture of the day; the weather, the scents, the sounds and visual images needed to be imprinted on my brain.

The oak leaves are swaying in the breeze.  There's not a heavy wind, but just enough to cool down the summer heat.  Thank you God for the breeze!  A bit of natural air conditioning.  I smell jasmine.  Just like at mom's house.  Hmmm...I'm probably never going to live there again.  This song...it's perfect!  Love her voice - and how does she sing with such clarity?  Has she always produced such beautiful music or did I just wake up to realize it?  And dad, the way he holds my hand...or am I holding his?  

"All right.  I'm ready now."  At least, I thought I was.