Wedding Memories...

This is one of my favorite memories from a decade ago. Today would have been my tenth wedding anniversary.... would have been. Don't get me wrong, there are other joyful memories from that day - but this one remains untainted by divorce.

The picture is one, in a series of four, that tells the story. It is the final picture of a sweet and tender moment with my brother. Most likely one of the most intimate moments I've had with the youngest - and only boy-child - in my family of origin.

It was a beautiful spring day. The redbuds and dogwoods were blooming. The sun was shining, and a gentle breeze kept the air moving along. A perfect day for a wedding!

People were gathering in the old stone chapel. I was waiting outside. Not exactly 'pacing', but not too far from that. I knew I couldn't take TOO much time to think about what was about to happen - and I KNEW I couldn't *talk* with anyone, or I would cry, and I couldn't cry. So, I wandered off to the edge of the woods, my back to the church and the guests. I needed a few moments with God.

Not long after, my brother walked up to me (picture #1). "How ya' doin'?" He asked. "Oh, George..." I said as I turned to him (picture #2), "...don't ask me that..." He just looked at me. I casually hit my hand against his chest (picture # 3), and explained. "...If you do, then I will cry, and if I cry, then I can't sing, and in just a moment, I have to walk in there, stand at the back of the church and sing."

At that point, my voice cracked, and a single tear rolled down my cheek. In response, my brother - my only baby brother - took his tie, and wiped the tear from my face (picture #4 - above).

I took a deep breath, smiled at him and walked to the back of the church.