I woke up with steely determination.
As I was brushing my teeth, I gazed at the formal outfit
hanging behind me, going over in my mind what we needed to do.
We had rehearsed the routine and six months of preparation
had led to this one, special day. “We are ready,” I told myself.
Getting the outfit on was a bit of a chore, mostly because
of all the little buttons involved. And I experimented with three different
hairstyles before settling on just the right one for the occasion.
But all the preparation was worth it by the time we arrived
at the venue.
A perfect day was upon us, with brilliant blue skies, puffy
white clouds and warm temperatures. It was the best kind of day for a wedding.
We greeted family and friends as they arrived. A smile was
on everyone’s face as we starting shuffling to our seats. I found my spot with
just the right vantage point and went over the routine one more time in my
head.
Had I thought of everything? Did I have an escape route if
things went wrong? Did I have all the tools I needed?
“Yes,” I told myself. “It’s going to be great. This is going
to be awesome. It’s go time.”
The flute music drifted beautifully across the lush grass as
the bridesmaids and their groomsmen slowly made their way down the aisle. The
groom — my cousin — looked so dapper and handsome as he awaited his lovely
bride.
And then the moment finally came.
My 2-year-old son stepped into view, clutching a little
pillow. His miniature teal bowtie and suspenders perfectly matched the
bridesmaids’ dresses, and his newsboy cap made him look like the man I know he
will one day become.
I held my breath for a few moments, praying that he would
make it to his mark. As I heard the “awws” from the crowd, I knew he had done
his job — to charm the pants off of everyone. He beamed from ear to ear as
he slowly made his way to my open arms, and I smothered him with kisses in
appreciation for his perfect performance.
His reward was a small handful of Skittles and his favorite
blanket, and my tot sat peacefully on my lap for the rest of the ceremony. We
watched as the couple promised to love and cherish one another forever, and
there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Twenty minutes later, his outfit had grass stains. He was
covered in sweat from finally being free to run, his disheveled appearance a
true testament to the boy he is becoming.
Yes, it was perfect, and I couldn’t ask for a better ring
bearer on such a special day.
— Sarah Leach is editor of The Holland Sentinel.
Contact her at (616) 546-4278 or sarah.leach@hollandsentinel.com.
