There are continual challenges that we have to face when we end up with a new life...that's for certain. The last year saw my daughter Brandi get married without her Dad to walk her down the aisle. It was hard to decide who to ask and in the end, she asked her brother...the most ideal of all solutions and the best ever decision Brandi made for the wedding. His wife, Ali, was the Matron of Honor and she was beautiful and stellar and helpful throughout the preparation and services. The day was one to make me cry and be joyous all at the same time. Tears were only those of happiness that day - despite all the tears of sadness leading up to is as Verle was just not there to help...and do his Dad thing as would have been preferred for Brandi. But we were determined to make the day perfect and it was. No thoughts were allowed to ruin the day.
My mother-in-law, Brandi's grandma, had a minor heart attack that day and created a little trauma behind the scenes. We all pushed ahead and had an absolutely beautiful day. No one told Brandi until the end of the reception. Since she had been ill, Brandi just thought she wasn't able to make it...and on she pushed through her special day. The photos are gorgeous...the photographer was stellar and did not interfere in the day as I had feared. Those important people in our lives showed up...and many didn't.
