"Oh, the bridesmaids and I are going for a day of pampering. Nails, pedicures, facials, light lunch cause you know we all have to still try and fit into our dresses, and lots of girl talk!" exclaimed Mary.
"How about you, John? What trouble are guys going to get into it?" I asked with a smile.
He grinned and with a daredevil glint in his eye he said,
"The guys and I are going rock climbing."
"Oh?" I reply with a huge questioning look at the bride.
"It's okay Lisa. John is very careful and he knows I would kill him if he got hurt or somehow could not make it to the wedding. He has been rock climbing for a long time and I had his best friend, the best man, Ryan, also promise me that he would watch out for John too. We have it all covered." she said with complete confidence.
It's 5:15pm on the night of the rehearsal and we are still waiting for the groom to arrive. Mary is chatting with her mother and looks all polished from head to toe...the spa day was a big success going by the glow of her skin and eyes! I turn to answer a question for the priest when all becomes quiet...
Glancing over to the garden door of the Mission I see what I think looks like John. This John's face is all smashed, bloody, scraped and missing pieces of hair and scalp though. His eyes search out Mary and locks on her face as he enters the Mission hesitantly. There are catches of breath echoing around the sanctuary as John finally stands before Mary with his arms extended palms up. Mary's face is frozen in a tremulous smile as she slowly, gingerly takes his bruised hands in her own freshly polished ones and tenderly leans into John while resting her head onto his chest. He disconnects his hands to enfold her carefully and everyone could hear him say,
"I am so, so, so, sorry. It was a freak accident. I am so sorry. Will you forgive me?"
Mary does not say anything for a few minutes but continues to bury her face in John's shoulder and just let him hold her. All the family and friends find a pew in the church to sit down and await the explosion they feel is gathering like a storm in Mary.
Mary raises her head, looks John in the eyes and says softly,
"I knew what I was getting into when I gave my heart to you. Yes, I forgive you but I need more time to get past it because now our pictures are going to be crap."
At that everyone laughed and I leaped on the forward motion and lightness of spirit to begin the rehearsal but half way through, John surprised us again. During the part when only the bride and groom are at the front of the altar to exchange rings, John stops the rehearsal. Looking piercingly at Mary, he says,
"Mary, I just want you to know how much I love you and for being truly sorry for the sad state of my face, I have something special for you."
John reached into his pocket and awkwardly pulled out a diamond heart swinging on a silver chain necklace that took him ten minutes to put on with his slightly crushed hands. We all sensed that this had to be done by him only and cheered them both when his task was complete.
Yes, love gets bruised, smashed and beaten but it can still survive and take you to new heights!
1 comment:
I love this story. What a beautiful illustration of just how little control we really have! Our best laid plans can be dashed in one fell swoop, and yet I often find that the plans Life had for me were better than the ones I had for myself.
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