The Father of the Bride Does It Again
by V.V. Denman | @vvdenman
When my oldest daughter was born,
the nurse placed that squished, bruised, swollen bundle of baby in my arms, and proclaimed,
“She’s beautiful!”
My husband, focusing through the toaster-sized video camera on his shoulder, mumbled,
“Like her momma.”
After nine hours of labor, I didn’t look much better than the baby and felt as attractive as Jabba the Hutt, but those simple words cemented a memory in my heart.
I love that man.
For twenty-five years, he’s been telling me I’m beautiful, and believe me, he lies. There were several years after baby number three when the pounds wouldn’t budge, and after number five I rarely washed my hair. Then there was a muddy phase when my behavior was less than lovely, yet the man still insisted I was beautiful.
Now he’s done it again.
Saturday, I stood at the front of the church while my husband walked Baby Girl toward her waiting groom. Jessica glowed happiness, floating down the aisle and trying not to giggle at Colton who beamed like he’d just won the SuperBowl.
Numbly, I watched through a blur of emotion as the minister asked,
“Who gives this woman in marriage?”
My sleep-deprived brain barely registered my husband’s response.
“My beautiful daughter’s beautiful mother . . . and I.”
A simple string of words which caused me to temporarily forget my salt-and-pepper hair, the crows’ feet at the corner of my eyes, and the skin on my neck which hangs like crepe paper.
As he placed Jessica’s hand in Colton’s, a tear trickled down my cheek. Not because I was losing a daughter. Not because I was physically and emotionally exhausted.
But because Colton looks at Jessica the same way her daddy looks at me.
Madalyn Belle Photography, click photo to visit website
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
1 Peter 3:3-4 (New Living Translation)
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Those of you who have been following The Mother of the Bride Blog Series (especially the post entitled, Bridal Portraits and a Victorian Settee) know how difficult it’s been for me waiting to share Jessica’s portraits.
View the complete portfolio of the obnoxiously proud Mother-of-the-Bride HERE.
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Beautiful!
Thanks, Vickie!
Tears are rolling down my face as I felt every emotion you described. I remember the day we met Jessica as we were across the hospital hallway with our own baby girl. And that beautiful mom who held her is more beautiful today than ever. Love your heart and spirit. Thanks for sharing it
I still can’t believe we didn’t get a picture of the girls side by side in their plastic cribs. I’d give anything for that. Love you!
Oh my goodness! I cried! Love the picture. So glad y’all had a wonderful day!
Thank you, Anne. The day was truly magical.
Lots of memories made.
You are amazing! I love the way you share yourself with others! It was a magical moment, part of a magical day. Thank you for sharing the deep love you have for each other!
Thank you, Annette. And thank you for sharing our day. It meant so much to have you and your family there.
Yes, It took me a moment to comprehend what Don said, because we are so used to hearing “her mother and I”; but it was very appropriate and true! I think you have found yourself a keeper!
To tell the truth, it took me a while to figure it out too. (I was in a foggy numbness.) So glad you were there. Everytime I see you on fb, I think of those nights Don and I would sit in your living room, talking to you and Jack. You guys gave us some great marriage & parenting advice. Love the memories.
It has been interesting watching this whole process unfold from the perspective of a veteran Woman and an initiate MOTB. The writing you exhibit through sharing with your readers reveals, without a doubt, that it wells up from the abundant beauty which resides quietly within you.
Congratulations to you and your whole beautiful family.
May God continue to reveal His own beautiful Self to every one of you!
Lenn
Thank you for your kind words, Lenn. Have I been misspelling your name all this time? How embarrassing.
No, Varina, Len is my online name which I use for several reasons, one of them being that my official, legal, given name, Lenn, is rejected and redlined by spell checkers. So is your name, I notice, and also, ironically, the word “redlined”. But don’t by any means be embarrassed because sometimes I use the correct spelling for good people such as yourself. =)
Oh that Don, what a great guy you have there. So glad your day went beautifully. Congratulations, Mom, you did it and I might add…..with a lot of class!