Thursday, April 11, 2013

Here #fiveminutefriday

Write. For five minutes straight. One-word prompt, five minutes, no editing. I'm linking up over at Lisa-Jo Baker (aka The Gypsy Mama) where we read, write and encourage.
Five Minute Friday


"Here," he said as he held out his worn, calloused hands, indicating I should relinquish my grip on the bouquet. How does one hold these anyways? I thought, irritably. Not too close to the dress, but don't brandish it like a weapon.

I handed him my collection of green, white, and pink ribbons, odds and ends of a collection of pre-nuptial gifts, perfectly put-together by my mother. The little paper plate they were pinned to looked so small in his grasp. The way I have always felt. He towered over me when I was little, bundled me up in bear-hugs home from deployments and fierce embraces when I came to him with tear-streaked cheeks.

And now he looked at me with such questioning eyes- as if our roles had somehow reversed and he looked to me to tell him when the shots would be called. Did he feel like this when I turned to him growing up? Unsure but cocky, nervous but deliberate.

Once my shoe strap was fixed, leaning slightly against his frame, I adjusted the bouquet again. Our cue came and we glided down the grass as he mumbled in my ear how to walk in time with him. Things I should remember for tomorrow. But all I had eyes for was Mr. E. I was here and now, caught in that peculiar moment of present and future when your imagination gives color to what you're doing.

Dad hesitated at the arch, only to kiss my cheek and smile reassuringly. After all, tomorrow we'd do it all again.

20 comments:

  1. oh that is so beautiful! what a treasured moment, captured so beautifully in words and in picture! you look stunning!!!!

    blessings, claire, following in the list from FMF

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    1. Thanks, Claire! It was definitely a moment for me to remember, especially in contrast to the next day when we were both bawling!

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  2. What a great snapshot of a lovely day and memorable occasion. I can't say I had this moment with my dad since I eloped. (But in a good way.) Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Debi. At first I didn't like the photo, but it came to grow on me...

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  3. Gorgeous... the words, the memories, the photo's! Nicely done!!!

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  4. Such a beautiful piece to share with all of us. Found you over at Five Minute Friday! Many blessings!

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    1. Thanks, Cynthia! Everyone needs to be reminded of the little moments every once in a while.

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  5. Lovely:) I love how you caught us up in your moment with you.

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    1. Thanks, Kimberly! Moments with my dad are small but powerful (like me!).

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  6. you're bringing back some beautiful memories ...

    Linda

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    1. Aw, what a sweet thing to say! I hope it made your day a little happier. Thanks for stopping by, Linda!

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  7. Oh, you look gorgeous and the look on your dad's face says it all. Precious memories.

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    1. Thank you so much! I woke up that day crying (happy and nervous tears) but definitely didn't think my dad would too!

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  8. Oh I know we spoke jokingly of these moments last night but you have me in tears as I read this now. What an incredible, beautiful legacy. So glad you shared :)

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    1. I'm glad I shared it too! You and Alia definitely inspired me this week!

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  9. Thanks, Denise. I'll always remember the way he teared up as we took our first steps that day.

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  10. Such sweet memories. Thanks for sharing

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It's so easy to comment and I would love to hear from you!
Mrs. E