April 29: Last night my husband and I attended the wedding of a woman I’ve known for almost 25 years. She is one of five women, all at one time co-workers, that have kept in touch despite no longer working for the company that introduced us all. We sporadically keep in touch, even taking the occasional girl’s trip. Despite years going by where we never see each other, our friendship endures, each rare visit being as if no time has passed.
It’s unusual these days to attend a wedding for someone in my age group. Most of my friends are already married, in a long term unmarried relationship, or single by choice. My friend fell into the long term committed, but unmarried relationship category. Life has a way of interfering with even the best of intentions and before you know it, 18 years have passed.
Several years ago my friend unexpectedly lost her young adult daughter, a tragedy that no doubt ripped a hole in the fabric of their blended family. They pulled together in their grief and with time have found a way to move forward. Stories that were once heartbreaking are now beloved and cherished. Events that are not as originally imagined are no less joyous. I couldn’t help but think of my friend’s daughter and how happy she’d be for her mother, the radiantly happy bride. Her stepsister shared in her toast how the two of them used to imagine and play act this day and I couldn’t help but feel her love in the room.
My friend is a kind, funny woman with a gentle spirit and I can think of no one more deserving of such a joyous day. I am grateful for the opportunity to share such a special occasion with her and her family. The moment was embraced in love.
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