A Void Filled | Family is Love

I went shopping this weekend and enjoyed the trip for the shopping and things I got, but also because of the road trip that allowed me to listen to some of my favorite songs. One came up that I always smile when I get to listen to it. It reminds me of mine and Michael's wedding day and all of the people who stepped in to make it the best day of my life, inclulding a very special dance with my grandfather.

Every girl dreams of her wedding day when she is little I think...or at least I know that I had. I had planned that my dad and I would dance to Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings" after he had given me away to the man of my dreams. Well I met the man of my dreams and had my fairy tale wedding, minus one very important part...my dad. When I was in 8th grade, my dad passed away very suddenly and my whole little family was left in just complete shock. I won't go into the whole story but loosing him meant loosing parts of my dreams...him walking me down the isle, dancing with him to that song, him being a grandfather to my children... so many dreams just gone in an instant.

Meet my Dad...well us a long time ago! :)

Did I have a fear of who would walk me down the isle? Yes. Did I try to plan a destination wedding to help ease the pain... sure did. But as I got older, I began to understand and realize that although my dad wouldn't be there in person, he would be there and that I was lucky to have other men in my life who had stepped in and up to help me, my family, and my heart heal.

On our wedding day, my sweet baby brother who is 16 and literally the best kid ever, walked me down the isle and gave me away to the man of my dreams. When the preacher asked him "Who gives this bride away"...like a champ Dave said "My mom, my sister, and I do" and then handed me off. It was so special to me and just was perfect because it was him, mom, and Dee that were handing me over to Michael.

 

  There is nothing like having a baby brother who you just adore.

 

And at the reception, my amazing grandfather and I danced (and by danced, I mean he eloquently waltzed around the room while I tried to keep up) to a song that I picked out just for him. As soon as the music turned on, the tears just flowed. I hadn't cried all day. I had been the calmest bride ever, but just hearing that song and being able to dance with this man who meant so much to me and loved me for the crazy, wild child I always was just overflowed my already happy heart.

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: So Shay

This song, and her voice...my goodness her voice, just reminded me of everything that my family and friends have done for me all my life, but especially over the past 10 years since we lost my dad. They have all loved me, taken care of me, made me smile, gotten on to me, and encouraged me to be the best person I can be. I feel so lucky to have all of them and now have extended family that I know would do the same.

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.

~Joyce Brothers