Despite the bad weather forecast, on the wedding day, it was breezy with just the right temperature and plenty of sunshine. We sat in our car and with all the windows rolled down, the interior of the car was very comfortable. The church was located alongside a highway with vehicles of all kinds zooming to their whereabouts. The radio was set to play soothing jazz that she loves for me to play whenever she sits in my car. I sat in the driver seat and she in the rear right of the car. Mom has already went into the church. There we were as I reflected back just 2 days ago at the wedding rehearsal, she held his hands as we were all excited and very much looking forward to this day. All went so perfect. The music was right. The rundown was very smooth.
It was about more than a few months ago when we were told of this day, August 2, 2008. Her mother was especially looking forward to this day and it will finally happen. The closer it is the more she's worried. However, with the grace of God, it looks like it will happen.
Thus as I reflected on all these incidents, she sat in her seat and didn't say a word. The lyrics of a song by ABBA, The Winner Takes It All suddenly rushed through my mind. I couldn't say a word of comfort but the lyrics continuously roamed freely in my mind and here's how it goes:
I don't wanna talk
About the things we've gone through
Though it's hurting me
Now it's history
I've played all my cards
And that's what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play
The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
That's her destiny
and the last verse goes like this:
I don't wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand
You've come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all...
These words seems so true as it describes very much what she's trying to convey to me. I couldn't continue the conversation as she told me she's very tired. Nothing I could do then to just watch as the guest keeps on arriving and each one of them strolled excitedly and delightfully towards to the entrance of the church.
When she finally decided to go in, she held my hands as we walked into the church. It was a moment where I felt like we walked in slow motion like a movie. As we got closer to the entrance, one of the wedding receptionist opened the door for us and demonstrated her concerns and care. She asked if we wanted to enter the Sanctuary. I said, yes, but let her change first. So, she gladly directed us to the appropriate place. When she's all dressed, we proceeded to the Sanctuary with the same lady leading us. As the doors opened the couple getting married is already signing the wedding registry. I felt like it was like a television series I saw a long time ago, where the lover stormed into a church and as the doors swung open he yelled the name of a bride who was getting married. Well, we didn't quite do that. I looked for my wife and the lady guided us towards the front and we seated right behind my wife. As soon as she saw her changed, she was elated. I picked her up and sat her beside her Mom. I nodded in agreement of yes, but unfortunately, not quite there. Too bad she couldn't be the flower girl. However, we partook in the group photo.
My heart a bit sad, now that I think back. Yes she could have been the flower girl, but unfortunately, not quite. Then again, who's going to get married in the next year or two that she could finally partake in this honour again?
