I thought it might rain on my way to the wedding.
My husband is waiting for me, leaning on the bumper of
his black pick up truck. I am extremely glad to see him.
I have 2 purses full, of makeup and hair care products,
the other with regular purse junk. Plus I have my book,
The Essential Rumi, as well as my small notebook with
the order of the service, some notes and my wedding
mantra in it with the translation. Basically, my lifeline.
I find my mother and have her pin my gorgeous bright pink
calla lily corsage onto the short sleeved sweater that I am wearing
over my beige, block patterned sundress. The day begins
to brighten. We walk to where the wedding guests are all
seated. I am completely filled with calmness and love and
feel full of the present moment.
The bride is running late. Children start to assemble with bubble
blowers and noise makers for when she comes down the aisle.
Someone says, "I see the bride." Everyone sort of assembles,
themselves, the groom, the best man and I at the arbor, waiting.
The ceremony begins as I greet the guests to celebrate the union
of the happy couple. I read a poem, tell a story, a beautiful woman
with a voice from the gods sings, the bride and groom read their vows
I ask if they really do want to marry each other. They both say,
"I do." I chant a mantra for peace. I say, "You may now kiss
the bride." I introduce the happy newly wed couple as Mr. & Mrs.
Later, much later, after food has been put away and chairs folded
and returned and I have changed into my regular me clothes, I sit
in the car and suddenly I am stunned by what has just happened.
I have committed a spiritual act, brought two souls together in
harmonious union. I feel drained to my toes of my life's essence.
I go to bed and sleep profoundly.
