An Old Friend

Last week I was lucky to be able to tag along to Mexico to an old friends wedding. I won't count how many years we have known each other because that will make me feel too old.  Through the years since High School ended we dipped in and out of each others lives. Always seeming to be there at the right moments, and like no time had really ever passed. Not in a "neither of you have grown up way", but in a way that's like cracking open your favourite old book and settling in for a good read. 

A few weeks before the wedding Jammey kindly asked me to take photos while she and her girls got ready. My first thought was "Yes of course". My second thought was "Mother of Pearl! What if I mess this up?". Then I thought she can't hate me if I do, it's like an old friend rule, you're not really allowed to truly hate each other. 

Anyways I was so glad to get to be a part of her day and watch the events unfold. There were so many touching moments throughout the day. Moments with tears, laughs, and with no other way to describe it…nerves!  I watched as Jammey took time to let each person know what they meant to her and it just blew me away.  Her heart was so open to all these people that it kind of took your breath away. 

As the time got closer to the actual wedding I noticed slight shifts in her energy. Not huge just small. By the time she got her dress on and the veil was being placed I could feel her anxiousness bouncing about the room.  Not in a hyper way. She held her body slightly tighter, her smiles were strained not in a bad way, but in a "I can't wait to do this" way.  

It brought me straight back to my own wedding day and those moments before I walked down the aisle. I felt like I couldn't breathe, like my muscles had tightened to the point they were not allowing for air to get in my lungs.  Not because I was worried about making the right choice, but because I KNEW it was the right choice. Because I knew I loved Ben so much that it makes you hurt a bit.  

I love that I got to see that in my old friend. To know that,as she starts her new life with Adam, she loves him that much. 

Bedtime Prayer

Ben and I long ago established a pretty solid bedtime routine with the girls. It's rare we stray very much from it. It usually starts with a bath, then teeth brushed, stories, prayers, and hugs and kisses goodnight.  I have also gotten into the habit of having conversation with Aubrey especially since she is older.  Often it's her telling me what she was most grateful for that day, or sometimes I will describe a moment in the day where she did something I was really proud of.  Tonight's bedtime routine brought quick tears to my eyes. 

I sat on her bed listening and watching as Ben and Aubrey began creating an elaborate story about a pink Unicorn and a flower, Elise lay on my shoulder watching the action.  Eventually the story shifted, Ben began to make up a story that essentially told her about the 'Angel Tree' up at BDSS.  

When Ben finished the story I lay down next to Aubrey and began to explain that the Angel Tree her Dad talked about in the story was real. And that there are people all over the world who sometimes don't have the extra money to be able to do Christmas, and explained in depth that there are always many reasons why. I explained that we could go and choose Angels off the tree and help to buy presents so they could enjoy Christmas just like we get to.  I also explained that people don't always have an easy time buying food, going on to describe our food bank and how it works. 

I wasn't real sure she actually understood much of what I said. She seemed a bit glazed over and not in the moment with me. So, i moved us along to prayers. Aubrey has taken a liking to starting the prayer and has me finish it up. I asked her if she would like to start tonight, she quickly said yes and that she would like me to finish it. 

She wasted no time diving into her prayer.  I waited for the usual, normally it's talking about how she is thankful for a princess, or certain toy, or something we did that day. Tonight her prayer went like this - " Dear God, sometimes there is people who can't buy things for Christmas and Food. Please help Mommy, Daddy, Liser and Me figure out a way to buy them presents and food."

I love her too much.