Wedding Eve

Well, my dress is hanging in the attic. I walked up there yesterday to get something and I said to myself, "That's my wedding dress." And I almost got choked up.

My room here at the house is almost empty. I am sitting on the floor with the computer and my leg is falling asleep. I only have my bed, computer, some clothes and toiletries left. I still have a bit within the house that I need to go through and pull out. All the rest of my stuff is at Walter's mostly all unpacked and in its new place. It kind of weird.

The rehearsal dinner is tonight. Uncle Tom and Aunt Pat should be flying right now. Gene, Amanda and Marco came in last night. All but 4 of my family members will be there tomorrow. They are all so excited for me.

Sometimes I still can't believe it. But then I say to myself, "Don't insult God by doubting His work here." That's been helping!

Violets for Jeanie

For the last several years, I have brought a little bundle of violets to my 2 dear old neighbors - Jeanie and Mrs. V. I guess I started doing this traditionally because Jeanie mentioned one day that when she was growing up there was a plot of land that was loaded with violets. However, I think the first time I did it, I did it just because I wanted to bring them flowers. So I have made it a little tradition.

This spring, as I have been busy with Walter and wedding preparations I haven't been back to my parents as much. But I would see the violets at my house and think of Jeanie and Mrs. V. Yesterday, I was outside at my dad's and I spied the violets and automatically started picking them -with Jeanie in mind.

I gathered them up and knocked on her door. She said with what looked like a little mist in her eyes that she had been to visit Mrs. V. (who is now quite senile) just that day and was talking with her about how every April Elizabeth brings us violets. She had said that she guessed they wouldn't get them this year. Jeanie isn't sure if Mrs. V. remembered me and Jeanie tried to explain to her that I was getting married this weekend. I had always hoped that Mrs. V would be there to dance at my wedding. Alas, she is not strong enough to attend. But somehow I know she will be there in spirit.

Sometimes we do things and they seem so small maybe even bordering on corny. Then, you find out just how much small things are appreciated by the people you do them for and it makes you glad that you took the time to do it year after year.

Hope in India

I have a fascination with India and I at times grieve over the injustices of women there. I got involved with Shared Hope International which works to rescue women caught in sex trafficking. I wish I could do more than send the occasional check...

Last month, they sent out a picture of a beautiful, smiling, young woman. On the back of the car it said:

"No one smiled where Sunni was held captive in the desperate brothel district of Mumbai, India. But today, thanks to your generosity and the healing hand of God, Sunni is not only smiling... she's in love! Sunni will be married in April - a dream she never thought would come true."

And I thought to myself as I got all choked up, "Sunni I am getting married in April too and I use to think it would never happen for me." And I was amazed how this far away Indian woman who was rescued from a brothel !! could be used to remind me that April weddings happen all over the world. Dreams come true...

April 21, 2005

I was looking for inspiration. I found this from my prayer journal for April 21, 2005.

"... I thought today especially after my walk yesterday (near where I work) I really want to get married in April. I really love April. The light green colors as trees are coming back to life. The pink petaled trees, the swirling pink petals in the air. The goldfish in the pond. The pink petals resting gingerly on the water, the fish and petals moving to their own current. It was poetry in motion.

So I'd really like to get married in April. I've never had much of an opinion about my wedding... But there is something about April that inspires trust. We don't have to worry about the flowers of April forgetting to bloom. They happen whether we worry about it or not. There is something so nice about waking up one day and the grey have become green, yellow and pink.

I am getting sleepy but I am so thankful about how beautiful this spring has been it has truly ministered to my diseased soul."

I had forgotten that I ever thought that April inspires trust. How interesting because I needed to be reminded of that.