Twenty-one Years Ago Today...

I put frozen spoons on my eyes to counter the effects of very little sleep.  I had been way too excited to sleep.

I wondered what Bud was doing.  It was before the era of cell phones and texting, after all.

I left my bachelorette apartment for the last time as a single woman.

I helped as my family rallied for a last minute decorating party at our reception site.  (A scheduling snafu with the hall had prevented it being done on Friday as we had planned.)

I scrunched and scrunched... and sprayed and sprayed... my hair 'til it couldn't possibly get any bigger.  I was a product of the 80's!

I wondered what Bud was doing.

I dressed in my mother's wedding gown and topped it off with a new veil.

I watched everyone around me - I felt their excitement and drew strength from my parents' calmness.

I was thankful we decided to do pictures before the ceremony - that brief time with Bud calmed the butterflies in my stomach.

I peeked through closed doors to watch our family and friends gather in the beautiful, old chapel.

I wondered what Bud was doing.

I took my Dad's arm and gave a confident "Yes!" to his question, "Are you ready?"

The doors to the chapel swung open wide and we began the short walk.

I saw no one but Bud as I walked down the aisle.

I remember my father's voice as he answered, "Her mother and I" as he placed my hand in Bud's.

I looked deep into Bud's eyes and knew I was following God's plan for my life as I pledged to love Bud "so long as we both shall live."

I love you, Bud!

Happy 21st Anniversary!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

(Jeremiah 29:11)