Saturday, September 1, 2012

Burlap and lace...

Someday I will want to reflect on this time, I'm sure. So, I am writing just to mark this time.
Two weeks from today my daughter will no longer have the last name that I do. At this point in the planning, all but the last minute food items have been purchased, and all but a couple payments have been made.
Rustic, elegant. That's what this wedding will be. That means that momma has been crafting! I haven't seen this much burlap since I was Hiawatha in the third grade school program. And it's really neat that I will have all new layers of skin on my fingers for the event thanks to my hot glue gun!

I have been so busy for so many months and in one week, I am quite convinced that I will be insanely busy again, but today I find myself at a bit of a standstill. The projects are slowing, and I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, but being less busy means being less able to distract myself. Though I feel fine most moments, there are moments the family looks at each other and realizes that everything is about to change. Kirksey--party of five--is shifting gears. Are we then four or six? Probably both. But the prospect of an empty bedroom in the hallway is a bit much for any single one of us to cope with quite yet. Most moments we put a good face on it, but the tears are like fast moving, threatening storm clouds and slam into us out of nowhere.

And then I think of what a great day it's going to be--that wedding day. It's so Addie, this wedding we are planning--all ribbons and lace with a little burlap on the side.
And getting married and eventually starting a family has been the dream God placed in her heart since she was a little girl. Setting up her home and being a wife and mom will fit another huge piece of the puzzle that is my baby girl's heart. I am genuinely happy for her. And that is truly a miracle. I always thought that when my kids got married, I might do exactly what my parents did and sob my way through the ceremony needing this to somehow be all about me. Nope. I know God is in this because I have such peace.

I'm trying not to say 'This is the last time' about anything. If you haven't had a child move out yet, someday you will see how your mind toys with you.
I have found myself wondering if I did all the things I meant to do while my children lived at home. Did we cover all the things I was supposed to teach them? Did we miss anything together?
I found myself saying things like, "This is the last time the five of us will spend the day like this."
Not going to let my mind travel to that place. I'm just determined not to.
This is not like when Justin left home. When he left, no one had peace about his absence. Not in the littlest, tiniest way. It was misery all around, and because he was unhappy, we suffered with and for him.
This is a relief for us in a strange way because she has been ready for this for so long. And she will be nearby. And there is nothing to be sad about when someone you love gets to live their dream.

So, I am going to continue to keep my mind and heart in this good place and be proud and happy for my darling girl as she takes these steps into her happy place. And I'm going to do what I would have loved to have a mother do and be near enough to call upon, distant enough to miss, and oh-so-happy for my Addie.

And throw her the wedding of her dreams.

2 comments:

  1. Oh boy. I can only imagine what you are all going through and anticipating and getting excited about. I'm still at the stage of parenting that I'm just letting them get out of eyesight, hang with friends and be thinking about "the talk". It really hit me at Addie's shower when she opened your gift of her own Christmas ornaments for her very own tree this year. We, also, have been buying the kids an ornament every year to do the very same thing someday, but this is your "someday" for sweet Addie. A few tears did roll down my cheek as she looked into that box seeing her past and future all neatly wrapped in tissue paper. I know the last few months have been a flurry of activity, stress, fun, crafts, frustration, smiles and some tears and will be over very soon. I hope the next two weeks will be sweet for all of you as you get ready for this new stage of life and getting ready for your "new normal". We love you all and are excited to celebrate with you. Love, Melissa

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    1. Just enjoy, it Melissa. For real. I know the days can seem tiring and the responsibilities endless at these ages, but I miss those responsibilities now. I miss the happy days of going to the library and getting picture books, then chapter books, and the days of a happy meal being a big treat. I love, love, love these days as well, so they all have value, but the shifting under my very feet is bizarre and a mite sad.
      Thank you for all the well wishes and love and support along the way. I love you dearly.

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