My dad will walk me down the aisle

Most people wouldn't think there would be any doubt about that, but you never know with my dad. He's pretty shy, and never one to voluntarily come to a party with a large group of people, let alone six. I've been slightly worried that we'd have a conversation about him even attending the wedding. I should know better, but for some strange reason I expect the worst. A bad habit.

Tonight, while we were at the family Easter dinner, there was much talk and excitement about the wedding plans. My brother Jason and I were chatting about what he'd wear. He was enthusiastic about putting on a tux and participating in our Rat Pack theme. Jason started describing exactly what he wanted to wear. At that point I might've mentioned that my dad would too, and that he'd even be wearing a boutonniere. You have to understand, our family hasn't had a wedding in 35 years. Reminders aren't unwarranted. Then, he said it.

"I guess I'll be walking you down the aisle," my dad stated.
"You better," I said. "Otherwise we might have to have a fight."

Now, I didn't need to be that rough around the edges. I can't remember the last time we've ever had a fight. But that's what came out of my mouth.

"I will, but I'm not giving any speeches," he added.

"Actually...." I started. Now we were getting to the point of my real fear.

John and I are not having a very traditional wedding. There are many typical wedding elements that we are leaving out. But because of my dad's social issues I've worried about the speech giving part of my wedding day for as long as I've been thinking about weddings - oh, maybe, 20 years.  Who would officially welcome John into the family if my dad didn't? This is the job of the father of the bride and I didn't want anyone else in my family to do it before him. The stress started to tighten my back and run through my body as I sat in the kitchen, looking over the lazy boy to my dad on the couch.

"Actually..." he said cutting me off. "I've already started thinking about what I'm going to say. It won't be long, but...."

That's all I needed to hear. He melted my heart.

Bah Bah made it all better. As fathers do.

Then, the rest of the clan started making "finally" jokes and comedic lines for his speech. As Leos do.

CURRENT: San Diego, CA
NEXT: Los Angeles, CA

Comments

[susan Brady]

Well, you already know I am a big crybaby. But I do know how important this was to you, and reading the post did make me cry. Your father gave you the best gift, and knowing how hard it might be for him, it makes it all that more special. And yeah to Jason for getting in the mood. He'll look great in a tux! (And practice for his own big day.) This is sure gonna be fun.