Mid-Life Ramblings; Sanity Optional

Monday, December 18, 2006

Congratulations to both the Rachaels in my life!

In my life I have been blessed with two very best friends. D and I have been friends since third grade and K joined us in 10th grade. The three of us have been a part of each other's lives for over 30 years now.

While I don't have children, both D and K do. In fact, they each have a Rachael and the Rachaels are only 2 1/2 months apart. I have always been an "aunt" to all the kids and adore the all.
Saturday belonged to the Rachaels and I was honored to have been a part of it.

Rachael L belongs to D. Yesterday was her wedding day. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, K and I have been helping with things like making the coursages and boutonnieres. Those sessions not only afforded K, D, and I some girl time but they also allowed Rachael L to spend time with us. We've given her marriage advice, made her laugh despite her stress, and advised her that one of the most important things she could do for herself was to have close girlfriends that she sees regularly.

Saturday, K and I did some of the decorating at the hall then watched as Rachael L walked down the aisle to marry her love J. She made the most beautiful bride. We three girls cried together as the couple made their exit on the path to their new life. Rachael L is the first of the kiddos to get married so it was a milestone for all of us.

Then that night I was invited to participate in another milestone for Rachael C. Her boyfriend of three years proposed to her and we were fortunate enough to be involved in the moment.
T took Rachael C out to dinner with two of his sisters and their husbands. K and I made posters that said "Will" "You" "Marry" "Me," "Rachael" "?" in glitter. T had set it up to have the restaurant deliver the ring to the table with dessert.

Rachael C had her back to the door and was facing the kitchen. In this particular restaurant you can see into the kitchen through a series of very large windows. At the right moment the hostess led K and her husband M, K's mom, E, and me through the kitchen with the posters held high. Rachael C had absolutely no idea it was coming and when she read the posters, she burst into tears. The entire restaurant applauded as T got down on one knee and placed the most beautiful ring on her finger and asked her to marry him. She, of course, said yes. :)

So Saturday I was privileged enough to watch Rachael L's wedding plans come to fruition and Rachael C's just begin. It seems like only yesterday that we were their age and their own mothers were getting married.

Days like that carry some of the most wonderful blessings in life. :)