Full of love and joy, with the sparkling thread of God's Grace throughout.
It was the day we had prayed for our daughter and son-to-be, having asked God to help us enjoy it fully, in whatever ways the actual details played out.
Breakfast the day before at our favorite diner. The owner/waitress asked with a knowing smile, "tomorrow's the big day, isn't it?"
My daughter and I looked back on how so many divine appointments had led to the college she chose, the dorm mate she befriended, and that girlfriend's best buddy from back home...who turned out to be Mr. Right. Not love at first sight, mind you. But years of friendship, maturity, growth - even a breakup - before discerning God's plan.
That breakfast conversation is at the heart of what comforts me in seeing these two wed. There is a clear recognition of God's willingness to participate in our lives should we let him. No illusions of perfection - or expectation of a bump-free future; just faith and trust in Him first. That is my father's blessing for these two - that God will lead them as they learn to listen and discern, together.
Everything after that breakfast - just the two of us - was one happy moment after another. Cutting fresh flowers for 25 vases at the hall. The entertaining rehearsal preview with our dear friend and pastor. An Italian buffet for the out of towners at our cousin's restaurant. Wedding day hair do's and last minute program organizing at the house. Heart-stopping joy at the vision of our little girl in her grown-up princess gown. Confidence when I placed her hand in his, that he really does understand just how precious she is to us. Quiet pleasure as the ceremony went forward, recognizing fully the unity and fellowship of all our gathered friends and family. Bigger smiles still as the newly married couple literally shone with the different Light of a Blessed union. Dancing the father-daughter dance to the words of a song I'd written for the toddler version of this stunning beauty.
That's how I'll explain my favorite wedding day moment. I have to take you back to the 5 year old I once knew. It was a warm summer evening and we'd won a goldfish at the parish festival. She was clutching that plastic bag in one hand and mine in the other. I lifted her up onto the carousel pony and stepped back down to watch her ride through the night. In my memory, there is the soft glow of the golden carousel lights, blurring the background as I focus on her and the pony. She's smiling and happy, not a care in the world, one hand clutching that goldfish - still looking back at me every time the carousel circles past.
It was that same look I saw on the lovely young woman in the princess dress - looking back at me across the banquet hall.
That's my favorite wedding day memory. A father can't fare better than that.
