Doves,sunflowers & weddings...

go..fly high,find your love nest our darlings...

      It was on a wonderful sunny afternoon,almost at sunset when my first born son made his marriage vows.I couldn't understand what I felt,I wasn't sad...maybe a bit nostalgic.As if everything around me was passing like a blowing wind on a summer day by the beach.Already the wedding venue was jovially decorated by my dear friend Nono.The waiters in white and black uniform were busy preparing the tables,adorned with bright sunflower center pieces and black silk cloths.Golden silk ribbons were tied elegantly at the back of the chairs painted in black.Guests,friends and loving relatives graced the event in pretty colorful summer dresses.Little boys and girls' excited voices,mixed with the sound of the waves,didn't help me understand my unfathomable rising emotions.
      Memories of long ago flashed before me..on a beach like this,I and my little boy were playing on the sand.His face was beaming with happiness jumping thru and fro,catching the waves..so unafraid and trusting his mama was there behind him,always ready to pick him up in case the waves would take him deeper.Suddenly I understood why he wanted so much to have a wedding by the beach,it is his most favorite place!But this time it wasn't me he needed by his side...the girl he asked from Jesus to spend the rest of his life with...his pretty Melissa,his wife in just a little while.
      The wedding march started,Kid,Jj and I was in front,again mixed emotions flooded through me..I had to smile,show the people around me that I was okay..I didn't want Jj to see any tears from me!It was his most awaited day,my first born!His happiness was all I wish for,besides I didn't want my make up to smear all over.So just like a proud mama that I should be,I walked with him and my husband in the midst of all our guests to the altar.On both sides were men in white long sleeves,black vests and black pants carrying lighted torches to light our path.My eyes were fixed to the sunflower adorned altar just a few feet away..again memories kept flooding by..

      Sunflowers and my Jj,stopping by a roadside picking a few for his beloved.Yes!that's also the reason why he chose sunflowers for their wedding!It was a wise choice indeed,bright and cheerful to behold!
      Finally after the last participant of the entourage reached their allotted chairs,the long march ended.At the altar,we were made to stand in wait for the bride and her parents.As the french door from the resort's elevated hall opened,inside was the silhouette of Missy,radiantly clad in her off white wedding gown.Her face was covered  with a transparent veil shadowing lightly her angelic face.In her hands was a bouquet of sunflowers and assorted wild flowers.I glanced at my Jj's expression as he was lovingly gazing at his bride walking slowly down the stairs..along the aisle towards him and us,I knew right at that very moment,his prayers were answered.I couldn't ask God for more!My Jj was fulfilled!The pastor's voice woke me up from my revery,asking the crowd who would give the bride to the groom...Softly but firmly,Melissa's papa answered.."I am."The pastor then commanded Jj that he could finally get his wife from her parents.The sight of my son kissing Missy's parents hands,a gesture full of respect made me the proudest mama on earth!God thank you for guiding us in rearing this wonderful man who is our son.
      As he held Missy's hand and took her to us,kissing us too as our first born's chosen bride,my heart leaped with joy!This angelic bride is my most awaited baby girl!Truly God is amazing,all my unfathomable emotions gone!Bliss overwhelmed my heart and soul.So when the pastor asked us parents of the newly weds to free the doves and let them fly high to the sky,clearly it dawned on me...my son was already a married man.Free to fly and find their dream love nest.
      And me?I will be more than content playing with my soon grandchildren at the beach again.Just like long ago with their daddy,my first born.

with my Jj...30 yrs ago...