Well, yesterday I married off my beloved baby sister. The day she took a new last name was an expected roller coaster of emotions, but I could tell that she was so happy to have found the one she wants to spend eternity with. It's already been an adjustment for all of us, but what I think has been most difficult, and for some inexplicable reason unexpected, is wrapping my head around the fact that I'm just not the most important person to her anymore. That position has been filled, rightly, by her eternal companion, and I must graciously step aside and let her grow up. Maybe that means it's time for me to be a little more mature. I realize that somewhere in between March 2006 and March 2008, the girl blossomed into a woman, and I feel sorry I wasn't able to be more of a present presence for those months, but I suppose that's how it was supposed to happen, for whatever reason. Drili is not what it used to be, nor will it ever be, but that is how it must be now. Anyway, the day was a big hit, I thought, and went off (I thought) pretty much without a hitch. I felt very important as I rushed to pick up the flowers after the ceremony in time for the pictures and luncheon (though it was quite a feat to hold the vase of three-foot lilies to keep it from tipping on the floor of the passenger side), and made an unrehearsed toast at the luncheon, which was catered by my precious Brick Oven. It was good throughout the day to see so many old friends and family at the reception, eat my fill of snacks and cheeses (most notable mention goes to the brownie bites topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream and fresh raspberries), help arrange the lilies, mermaid tears and framed copies of Elise's original artwork on the reception tables, help decorate the getaway car, and watch my beautiful youngest sister and best friend glow on her first day as a married woman. I felt a part of me drive away with her after the reception, but I kept a smile on my face. I want nothing more than for her to be happy.
Oh, and Jeff, my newest little brother, you know I love you too. I feel I should tell you that when you married Elise, in some small way you took the whole package. Anytime either of you need me, I am at your absolute disposal.
P.S. I was going to be the first to post more wedding pictures, but I will leave that honor to Elise, when she gets around to it, as I am most certain she eventually will.
I felt those exact feelings on Melody's wedding day. In fact, when she told me she was engaged I told her I didn't want to talk about it. Every time I called her on the phone I had to ask if Jonny was there to make sure I wasn't interrupting family time. I think making her cake saved me that day. And the fact that KC, my then two month old boyfriend, came all the way to be with me. It's nice to have some responsibility in the big event, but it will all be normal again soon enough. Newlyweds always come to the parents house a lot. They have nothing better to do. You might just get sick of having them around.
ReplyDeleteI hope things only get easier for you Drew. It was also a bitter sweet day for me. Though, probably not the same as yours. I am very glad that Elise is happy and that she found Jeff. They go well together. They will be around a lot like Emily said. Even though she has a new "special someone" doesn't mean that you aren't still special to her.
ReplyDeleteEmily, you're right. Having the responsibility helps. I was pretty detached all day Saturday. Only in the last few days I've realized how happy I am for Elise and her dude.
ReplyDeleteAndy, you're a good brother. She's lucky to have you.
gtesilnf (that was my word verification work)
Your toast at the luncheon was perfect. It's hard to see your best friend gain a new one (for me, as Em did when wonderful KC married her) but you and Lili will always have that silly, crazy, amazing relationship you have been developing all these years. She will love this post.
ReplyDeleteYes, you two rather are like the twins, but see how they have adjusted? You'll all get along swimmingly in no time. You were a great sport, and I should have gone in the line at the temple IN FRONT of you, not behind. Oh, the tears.
ReplyDeleteDrew, this is Lili. What a sweet post it was. Of course I am not replacing you! You shall always be my big brother! We will be best friends forever *ring!* Don't you worry a bit.
ReplyDeleteAs for pictures, go ahead and put them up! We all know it will be ages until I write a blog about it, and Jeff and I actually really want to see at least a few!! Go for it!
I will second the awesome unrehearsed toast, and if there is any consolation prize she took my best friend since my mission with her. But as far as brother in laws come you hit the lottery my friend.
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