#494 The Prayer

One of the many sad byproducts of Covid-19 is that a lot of weddings have been canceled.  Weddings are a tricky events.  [I know this not by planning my own (YET!), but by being in and attending many, as well as being an event planner.]  In most instances you must reserve the venue at least a year in advance.  You plunk down deposits on food, flowers, the photographer.  It’s big business.  If you have to cancel, it’s my understanding it’s rare to get all your money back.  So you lose money and then have to pay more money to do it on another date.  No wonder brides get stressed out. 

I’m thankful that one wedding went off without a hitch this past summer.  My oldest brother, David, got married June 6.  It was going to be a small affair anyway, and luckily, small gatherings were allowed by that time. 

Despite being happy about the occasion, I was still a little nervous about being inside in somewhat close proximity to people I didn’t know.  Where have these people been?  Were they taking the pandemic seriously?  Masks weren’t mandatory.  How many would wear them?  Would my parents be safe? 

I was a bridesmaid, but didn’t know any of the other bridesmaids, so I kept my distance from them.  I wasn’t trying to be unfriendly.  Just safe.  When one of the bridesmaids got close to me, I’d back up to keep the space between us.  A constant game of cat and mouse. 

I was the first one to walk down the aisle.  I had planned to wear a mask, but didn’t, as I was spaced apart from the other bridesmaids and the attendees.  I began my walk when the music started.  The song, which I was not aware of ahead of time, was The Prayer, written by David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager, and performed by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.  Music can affect me very deeply, and once I heard Celine singing, I started to tear up.  I’ve been listening to a lot of Bocelli lately, and this song in particular is just so beautiful.  I held it together, didn’t go into an ugly cry and made it down the aisle to my spot.  Deep breath.  The ceremony went wonderfully.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Godby! 

I was more uncomfortable during the after-ceremony photos.  The photographer kept telling us, “I know you don’t want to, but get closer together.”  I still wasn’t wearing a mask.  No one in the photos was.  Except for the last photo, when they thought it would be funny for us all to wear masks.  Gah! 

David and Nora didn’t plan to have a reception anyway, so they had individually-boxed cupcakes and little bags of Hershey kisses for attendees to take home.  After photos, they changed, packed their car up, and left pretty much immediately for their honeymoon (they drove to Branson, Missouri). 

I would like to give special props to my cousin, Diane.  She is the ultimate event planner and transformed the church and narthex into something really special. 

I’m so happy for David and Nora, and pray that God guides them with His grace in their marriage. 

#493 There Once Was A Girl On Nantucket

I’ve had a fascination with Nantucket Island for many years.  Did it begin with the TV show Wings?  (see Post No. 492).  Is it because it’s an island and I love water?  Is it the cedar-shingle houses with the blooming hydrangeas?  The lighthouses?  The quaint shops and cobblestone streets?  Yes.  All of it, yes.  And after loving the island for so long, I had the opportunity of a lifetime drop into my lap. 

I was sitting at my desk one workday in 2002 and my friend Julie called.  “What are you doing next Tuesday?” she asked.  I looked at my calendar.  July 23 was clear.  “Nothing.” I replied.  She then uttered the most glorious words I’d heard in a long time.  “Do you want to go to Nantucket for the day for $99?”  (or something to that effect).  Oh.  My.  Gosh.  One of my dreams was coming true. 

Julie’s friend’s sister (?) worked for ATA Airlines and we were able to get the family rate on a non-stop flight from Indianapolis to Nantucket Island.  Are you serious?! 

On the morning of our adventure, we were up at the crack of dawn and flew to Nantucket.  Julie, her friend, her friend’s mom and me.  I still couldn’t believe it. 

The island was just as I had imagined.  Lovely cottages with gardens in full bloom.  A quaint main street with a plethora of shops and restaurants.  Fresh seafood.  The smell of saltwater in the air.  Pure heaven. 

Main Street

We walked around for a while having such a fun time and then for some reason I got it in my head that we should rent bicycles.  I’m into bikes and the thought of cruising around seeing the sights by bicycle seemed like a good idea.  We could see more of the island in less time.  Eventually Julie agreed and we split from her friend and her mom, and we went to a bike rental shop.  The map looked easy enough and not too long of a ride.  And that’s where things went downhill. 

Once you left the main town, there was not much to see.  There’s water and tall grass.  And some lighthouses.  Pretty, but not super exciting.  And it was hot.  Wow it was hot away from the water.  We brought shorts to change into, but no extra undies.  And what we thought was a short jaunt turned into a much longer ride. 

When we got back, we stopped at a public restroom and tried to clean up with soap/water and paper towels so we wouldn’t reek on the late evening plane ride back home.  Thinking back, it was kind of funny.  Why was I so insistent on renting bikes?  Why not do a boat ride?  Why not just walk around more?  I wish Julie had said, “Stop asking about bikes!  It’s too hot!”  But she is a good friend and was trying to appease me.  The fault was mine. 

I was smiling.  Julie probably was not.  

In looking for photos of this trip, I couldn’t find any.  None.  I know I had some, because I have a colored pencil drawing of the Sankaty Head Light that I drew in an art class not long after that trip.  Luckily, Julie found some photos and sent them to me.  Unfortunately, no pictures of her or the others. 

Brant Point Lighthouse

my photo shoot at Brant Point

Sankaty Head Light

my interpretation of Sankaty Head Light

One random side note on the trip – we saw the actor Mike O’Malley several times on the island, and I swear he was on our plane too. 

Over the years I’ve thought about how I would like to go back for a longer trip.  Or for my honeymoon (someday…)  Until then I’ve discovered a way to transport myself to the island by reading Elin Hilderbrand books, which are set on Nantucket.  The first book of hers that I read (and still my favorite) is Blue Bistro.

My one trip to Nantucket was fabulous and memorable.  ATA is no longer in business, so I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to make a quick, inexpensive trip.  And that Julie invited me and I could share the experience with her.  What a Beautiful Day!