A Beautiful Wedding

My brother David got married on Saturday! He is so happy. I cried - a lot, because I was so happy for him.

Yes, the same little brother that used to take off his clothes and his diaper at 2 years old and throw open the front door to take off running down the street, making me chase him. The same little brother that would walk around the house singing the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle" theme song. The same little brother that always tried to make me happy - and he always did. The same little brother that came to live with me when he was 12 years old.. and 16 years old... and 18 years old.... and 20 years old. I loved having him with me. He always would help out around the house and he rarely asked for anything in return. He has such a kind heart - a bigger heart than any man I have ever known. He has a sharp wit, and has always been able to make me smile - sometimes being more of my support system as a child than I was able to be his. He is always kind to women. He loves children. He has been a rescuer of animals since he was very young... even those that didn't need rescuing. He is respectful to others. He is the kind of man that any woman would be lucky to know - and Tonya is a very lucky woman to have snagged him up.

We had our spats - we were siblings forced in to the role of parent/child. We always came out of them with a stronger relationship though. I always tried to be there for him and I know he has always been there for me. We are family. I have a different relationship with each of my brothers, but I have to say that I am definitely closest with David.

All of this ran through my head while I was watching them have their first dance and I was crying. I was happy! I thought I was going to miss what I was watching.
Duane and I drove up 2 weeks prior because we thought we wouldn't be able to make it up again before Aidynn was born. I got to spend some time with David and Tonya and one of the girls before we went home. The next weekend I felt alright, at 38 weeks pregnant, so we drove up to go to their dinner and drove back that evening. The next week I prepared myself for not going to the wedding. My doctor said not to travel because I was so close to her due date... couldn't really afford the gas again..... I was tired.... it would be ok... I didn't really have a choice. When Saturday came around finally I was sad, but I woke up ready to deal with the day - then my sister called. All it took was hearing my brothers voice and I drenched Duane's shirt with tears. I knew I couldn't miss this wedding.

When I got to the hall and saw my brother I told him first thing "I cannot be held responsible for any children born at theis wedding". I was so happy to see him.

It was beautiful. Family and friends, love and flowers, smiles and cake. All of it was wonderful. I got up and said something to them, and immediately wished I had thought that through because it was so hard to speak without crying. I told David how proud I was of him and how much I loved him. I told Tonya how I didn't know what to think of her at first, but that I now know my brother made the best choice. I had to pause quite a few times.... and I made everyone cry. I guess it was good cry though - even my grandfather cried. Blame it on pregnancy hormones. *shrugs* I didn't know what I was going to say when I stood up, I just knew I had to tell them how I felt, and I meant every word of it.

David looked so nervous when the wedding began.... but the look on his face when she walked into the room.... it was amazing. I could see how much he really loves Tonya.

By the time they opened the floor to dance with the bride and groom - I was drained. I didn't dance with my brother. I am sad about this now. I didn't want to cry anymore, and my feet hurt from carrying the baby weight all day. I wish I had danced with him.

But I know that if I ever ask him to, he would dance with me.

to them both.