To the Brides in My Life. The Soon-to-Be....... Mrs. Stacey Foresman, Mrs. Pamela Rittman & Mrs. Stephanie Mendes

These pics are of me and some of my girls, Stacey from college, Steph and Pamela from High School. They are all getting married within the next year! This has sent my wheels turning, as memories of our past, of our long friendships... come to mind. I think what I appreciate most about weddings now, at this stage in my life, is that knowing and loving the individual so deeply - makes celebrating THAT much more meaningful! As opposed to times growing up when we attended a distant relative's ceremony, or went to witness the marriage of family friends.
For example...

I remember times with Stacey before Lee was in her life. She wouldn't meet him for years to come. She wondered what her future husband would be like. We cried out of loneliness together sometimes, we rejoiced in the freedoms we had, we experienced life together before this new chapter arrived.

I recall times when I hurt so badly for Stephanie, wanting her to just get rid of the guys that had bad intentions and didn't see her for all she is. It was painful to watch someone I loved treated so carelessly - and being careless, too, with their own heart. We struggled to discuss 'God's plan' and that He might just have set aside a partner out there for her (Andre!).

Pamela had a kindof whimiscal approach to her dating life. Before Josh came along, she was always with or interested in someone, but it had a feeling of just 'here and now' - not much talk of life beyond, the things marriage and families are made of. I am not sure she even knew exactly what she needed.

(not that any of us do)

So, now seeing these ladies so happy, having found their someone... is all the more exciting - knowing the build up, the background to it all. Not only that, but I smile BIG for the husbands-to-be, because they have found rare and lasting jewels! - - - Cheers!