Im nervous. Visibly anxious. My stomach is rolling. My mind is racing. I’d imagined it differently as a teenager. I’d demonstrate excellent composure and issue smiles to those seated patiently. I’d shake hands with distant family members and modestly receive their best wishes. For years I’ve welcomed fantasies of how this one day will change the present and favorably the years to come. My heart is willing, but oddly my confidence is absent. Completely absent.
As I button my suit and straighten my tie, the sounds of reality fade in. Church bells chime while the organ screams into harmony and my heart skips a few beats. Im nervous. Visibly anxious. My stomach is rolling. My mind is racing. I walk the aisle between the beautifully draped chapel pews checking, editing and rechecking my metal notes. The most important; Smile like you mean it. I take my stand and look out over the 153 in attendance. Im thankful they’ve decided to share this day with me. With Us. They stand up, she walks down.
Im nervous. Visibly anxious. My stomach is rolling. My mind is racing. Here she comes. Astonishing! I drown in her beauty. Loved ones reach out with their hearts and look on proudly. Kids look up in awe as she floats down the aisle. Her long white gown flowing behind her. She looks nowhere but ahead. Nowhere but directly at me. And only at me.
Im nervous. Visibly anxious. My stomach is rolling. My mind is racing. I gaze at her beautiful brown eyes as the distance between her in the aisle and I at the alter grows shorter. Time is suspended and all is quiet but the sound of my heart drumming at my chest. I think of the 4 years we’ve shared together. The happy, the sad, the funny and the difficult times. I don’t bother to wipe the tears from my eyes instead I pier deep into hers and whisper between weeping breaths, “Im madly in love with you and I wouldn’t trade this feeling for the world”.
