Wedding central is quiet. I know its cliché but, the silence is deafening. Can someone bring me a harmonica? Its just me and my thoughts, oh, and Mr. Spider (it could be Mrs. or Miss . . . how do you tell)?
I was the first to arrive at our home away from home two weeks ago and I’m the last to leave. It has definitely put me into a reflective mood. We made so many good memories in this house on a quiet street in Birmingham.
It began with one last sleepover with my soon to be married baby girl. My parents arrived next, followed by some dear friends of theirs and my son and his girlfriend. In the midst of wedding festivities, we celebrated my mom’s 80th birthday at a swanky Birmingham eatery. Two of the “bride’s people” shared our home for a couple of nights. The bride-to-be, groom-to-be along with various friends came over for a meal or just to drop something off. We stuffed welcome boxes and plucked herbs to be tossed at the departing newlyweds. More family arrived shortly before the wedding, my brother and sister-in-law along with my nephew and two nieces. Out of town friends and family filled the house for a welcome reception the day before the wedding. All of the brides people came over for a wedding morning breakfast. It was a house full of love and joy.
The wedding day was beautiful, sunny and busy. It passed in a blur. I took my cousin Bob’s advice . . . my husband and I laughed and cried, then laughed and cried at the same time. We danced with sheer joy, celebrating our daughter’s union to the man of her dreams. I knew it was going to be beautiful but it far exceeded my expectations .
One by one, the day after the wedding, my family began their exodus. First, my parents then my son and his girlfriend and finally my brother and his family. My husband and I had the house to ourselves for one night and I’ll be honest with you . . . a few tears were shed. Happy tears. He left this morning. I will soon follow. But, right now I am just savoring the memory that each leftover object is bringing to mind. My heart is beyond full.
Kim Wilbanks 
Kim, I haven’t been the mother of the bride, yet. Had a son get married some years ago. It’s hard to “let go” of that time period in our lives. My God give you comfort and special things in your life to make all reflections on the wedding a joy. Find some “me” time and do things you’ve put off in the past.
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Thanks Karen! I thought about that and planned some redecorating around the house to work on! I appreciate your kind words.
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