Monday, August 22, 2011

When Doves and Babies Cry

Just got back from a dear friend's fabulous wedding. She tried something novel and chose to have all of our children stand in (instead of us) at the wedding and that included Parker.

Parker's only job was to carry the "Here Comes the Bride" sign. You would think this would be simple; but for a two-year old, nothing is ever quite that easy. The sign to her was like garlic to a vampire as she leaned back in horror every time we tried to place it in her hands. The more we insisted, the more she resisted, choosing to amuse herself with the pond of fish in the area. But thank goodness for a happy-go-lucky bride, who said "Don't worry; she'll get it in time for the wedding." Me being the all-knowing mother, knew better, but why ruin a gorgeous day - yet?

True to form, Park had a melt down just as it was time for the bridal party to enter. Instead of going down with the sign, she was dragged down the aisle by another poor child who now had her as hostage. Once lined up in the front, she proceeded to fuss and fidget which was expected for her age; but when I saw her make a dive for the the pond of fish, I had Larry drag her out of the line-up and sit with her Nana in the back.

As the ceremony drew to a close, we hustled her back up to the front so she could at least walk down the aisle for photo purposes. However, perhaps we brought her up to soon for just as she came up, the ceremonial doves were being released - at which point Parker screamed in horror. I tried to feign ignorance stating loudly "Who is that crying?" all the while knowing who it was.

Composing herself she walked down the aisle and gamely joined in to help carry the veil - and practically ripped the hair out of the bride's head from holding it so tight! I could hear the bride gently say "Get her off, get her off!" as she tried to maintain composure and continue her graceful exit.

Finally, the area was cleared and it was picture time. What could possibly go wrong now? Well, my sweet girl decided to make a run right for the bride, slipped on the veil and skidded on her rear right into her! The bride survived with a now ripped gown, the photos were taken and we spent the reception trying to keep her out of the fountain.

Was this two much for a little girl to handle? I say not, for although I got a lot of "She's a handful isn't she?" I also got alot of "What a good job she did" from other parents. The bride took it all in stride and said, it made for great memories and the rips in her dress were cherished remnants of the day. And I guess it was a balance of both. She has her two-year old moments but she did get up the aisle, walk back down it and proudly come out when she was announced during the dinner - after which she was the star of the dance floor, partying all night with her new found "cousins."

As the worried parent, I saw the mistakes she made, but fortunately others, including the bride, saw the beauty in her being who she is.

I admit, I'll be a little nervous if she's ever in a wedding again, but I'll know not to have her carry signs, keep her away from all veils, fountains and ponds, and for God's sake, keep her away from the doves!

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