Sunday, June 26, 2005
Well, the wedding was quite an adventure.
It felt really weird attending the wedding of someone that I remembered playing with when I was in college and she was an infant. Now she’s getting married before me. Ah well, such is life.
We got to the church early, which was a good thing, as it was very crowded. I looked at all the folks in their early 20’s, friends of Caroline and Alan, and thought, they’re in the prime of life, and they have no idea how to enjoy it. I wish I could go back, but knowing what I know now. I’d have a lot more fun and a lot less angst. It goes by very quickly. Then one day you’re a fat forty-something looking at “young people” thinking, wait a minute, I never got my turn. I never really appreciated that brief period of time when I had a decent body, one not riddled with grey hair and arthritis. I guess everyone goes through this.
Caroline looked beautiful, the church was beautiful, there were 8 bridesmaids and groomsmen. The reception was not the casual backyard affair I had envisioned, but an extravanganza of white tents, a sumptuous buffet of roast beef, seafood, chicken, cheese, a station devoted to shrimp and grits, and 3 bars.
There was a great band. I’ve never heard a wedding band that was any good, but these folks were excellent. Alesia wanted to dance by herself, but I told her she had to dance with someone – maybe it’s a Russian thing, I don’t know. Ray Walters, the husband of a cousin of mine and a very good friend of my father’s, taught Alesia how to do the Carolina shag, and she had a great time. Watching her having a good time made me realize that it’s my turn now to make sure the next generation gets a good start.
I really enjoyed visiting with my cousins Tony, Lilla, and Terri, and their spouses. We had not all been together in years. We sat together last night, then all met for breakfast this morning and had a really nice visit.
It was bittersweet, being in Augusta and Mom not being there. I made no attempt to see any of mother’s friends, but I talked to a couple of them. We were there less than 24 hours. I was tempted to go by Mom’s house, but decided I wanted to remember it as we knew it.
Alesia has a new babysitter this week, and she came over tonight. I liked her a lot. I gave her a rundown on the house. She is young, and teaches piano, but likes the outdoors. She seemed very personable and I think she and Alesia will have fun together. I hope so, anyway.
