There are so many moments I will never forget. At least I expect to not. But just in case I don’t have my grandmother’s genes that have provided her a steel trap of a memory, I ought to do a little recording. And I don’t even know if that’s genetic. Just sounded fancy.
I'll never forget how cute my niece was getting a mani and a pedi. Or how fun that girls day was - running wedding errands, having lunch out with the best MOB, MOH, and flower girl. Even if Audrey's crayons melted into a thick paint-like substance in her car seat thanks to the ba-jillion degree weather.
I'll never forget how the easily the projects came together thanks to friends' and family's "all hands on deck" attitudes and the fun we had finishing them.
I'll never forget the last night that the Ruston four spent as all single ladies. We moved from all in one booth to all in one car to all around one kitchen table to all on one couch to all in one bed. That night offered a promise and a peace that this friendship, strong yet adaptable, is up to the task of another life transition.
I’ll never forget that it was a weekend full of parties. For a person who likes to celebrate the smallest of events, I was profoundly blessed. Blessed by gifts of people’s shared memories, their time, their traveling, their laughter and their tears. Lots and lots of tears. Happy tears, of course. Or at least I hope.
My sister and the rest of my Ruston bridesmaids gave an awesome lingerie shower complete with ruffly pink decorations, hilarious games, and every good-tasting dessert this side of the Mississippi. So good that I lost all inhibition and forgot that I was to wear a wedding dress the next day. Worth it. That afternoon began the weekend’s whirlwind, and I will never forget how I felt sitting in Abs’ living room. I was surrounded by nearly every female [family members and friends alike] who I loved most in the world and knew, without one doubt, that they loved me. They had been a part of this journey from the beginning [and long before that]. They knew me better than anyone, and they were there to celebrate. Because of that, they not only gifted me with lots of pretty little things, but with comfort and with peace. The weekend could not have started better.
After that, another party and another dress. The rehearsal brought more well-known faces. More reunions. Especially the beautiful Swanson family who flew from Seattle for the weekend. Their presence will forever be a favorite wedding gift. I think nearly every one of my girls cried as they rehearsed their walk down the aisle. It’s my fault – I started it. It was awesome. A good happy cry with all of your favorite people. What more could a girl ask for?
Our emotional abundance was only the beginning for the evening. It’s a good thing we had some great comfort food for the rehearsal dinner. I ate my feelings in the form of fajitas, chips and salsa, and strawberry cake. Once again – wedding dress. Less than 24 hours. And, once again, worth it.
I’ll never forget nor will I ever be able to explain the encouragement. So much so that, as Dustin and I were saying goodnight in the parking lot, we were speechless. Speechless from the blessing of being known by so many. Speechless from processing all that priceless marriage advice. Speechless from the love. It's as if all those that spoke were saying, "Go and tackle this ginormous change ahead of you! We believe in you! And we will stand beside you as you do." We see the resounding effects of this encouragement as we get comfy in the newness of married life.
I'll never forget how I slept like a rock. A peace-filled rock.
There is more that is remembered in time. Fleeting thoughts that become sweet memories. And these were only the days leading up to! It was the greatest. weekend. ever.
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