I watched my sister get married three days ago. I watched as she joined her life with a man she loves deeply. I watched her nine-year-old daughter hold her hand all the way through the ceremony. And I watched as her beloved looked deep into her heart and said; ‘I do‘.
The sun was shining, the birds were singing and their backyard garden looked absolutely lovely.
It was one of those delightful casual weddings that probably only happens the second time around when the bride and groom have the wisdom and maturity to celebrate in a way that suits them just so. There was no formal seating during the ceremony so I got to stand right up front with my back to the fence and witness, at eye level, my sister’s dreams came true.
It just so happened that Simon was standing directly across from me on the other side of the garden.
It was such a gift to have the opportunity to watch Simon from afar during the ceremony. I had the chance to look at him and appreciate how handsome he looked in his gorgeous suit. I got to appreciate his warmth, his poise, his deep love of our nieces and nephews as he held our baby nephew for part of the ceremony. And, as my two sisters-in-law got up to read The Invitation so beautifully, I had the opportunity to lock eyes with him and speak volumes without one word being spoken between us.
After twenty-three years in relationship it is so easy to slide into the mundane; who unloads the dishwasher, who does the laundry and who pays the bills. It’s so easy to forget that those are not the most important things. The Invitation reminded me that it has only ever been about daring to dream, dancing with wildness, and standing in the centre of the fire without shrinking back.
Kind of feels like I got married the other day.
I love you Simon! xo:)
365 Radical Acts 