To Catch Your Tears
At the end of my Dad’s life, I was thankful for every moment we had together; especially those we had alone. One of those moments will be etched in my mind forever. We were talking about my son’s upcoming wedding and he stated, “You know, I won’t be at Andrew’s wedding.” It hit me like a ton of bricks, as I caught both my tears and breath; I responded, “Of course you will; you’ll always be with us.”
I asked him if there was any advice he wanted to give Andrew, and after thinking about it for a quick moment, he said, “No, he has a good head on his shoulders.” This was a beautiful and proud mama moment for me and I vowed would tell Andrew on his wedding day. My Dad loved his grandson beyond words.
One of my Dad’s treasures I held close to my heart were some of his hankies. He usually carried them in his pocket; and having them, felt like I was closer to him. I decided I wanted to give one each to my son and his bride-to-be on their wedding day, and wanted them to be personalized.
As fate would have it, a dear friend creates beautiful heirloom gifts and immediately thought of her. After describing what I wanted, she got to work providing samples and different options. We worked together for a few weeks until it was exactly what I had envisioned. Andrew’s hankie was to have the beautiful scripture he read at my Dad’s service and his bride-to-be’s was another meaningful scripture included as part of their wedding ceremony.
Presenting them on their wedding day was risky for me to say the least. I knew many tears would fall when I presented them. The morning of the wedding, Andrew was at the venue tending to last minute preparations when I pulled up. My make-up and hair weren’t scheduled for a bit and thought it was the perfect time to present it. I asked to pull him aside for a few minutes and he said “No”……what? Really, “Andrew I want to pull you aside for a few minutes,” and again he said, “No.” OK, seriously? He preceded to tell me he had something for me that was back at the hotel and could I wait until he returned? Truth be told…..I really wanted to give it to him prior to any make-up, but of course I would wait and risk puffy eyes…haha.
Since I was with my future daughter-in-law in the venue’s bridal house, I was able to present hers first. As I held out the beautiful pink and gold box, it was tucked inside, I wanted her to know how special she was and wanted to give her one of my Dad’s hankies. A part of him would be with her on her wedding day. Along side the wedding scripture, she noticed the tiny blue embroidered heart and said, “something blue”…..we both smiled, then hugged. Earlier in the day, she had given me a hankie that was personalized and heartfelt. We both would have special treasures on her wedding day.
Once Andrew returned, I was able to hold off on hair and make-up for a bit longer…..hip-hip-hooray! Walking out to meet him in the driveway, we ended up by the river, directly in front of the tractor and hay wagon Andrew had brought to honor my Dad, which would be used later in the evening.
As I handed him the blue box, I could barely get the words out, when both our eyes filled with tears. He felt the meaning as he touched the embroidered words, then proudly tucked the hankie in his pocket for safe keeping, on his wedding day. I’m pretty sure having something personal of his grandfather’s meant a great deal; the relationship they shared was special.
He presented me with a beautiful silver box, engraved with a special quote and necklace tucked inside that was also engraved, forever your son. I didn’t see it until later, but a picture of the two of us was tucked on the inside of the lid. I’m thankful for my son and new daughter. Andrew and Crystal, the hankies were not only to catch your tears, but to honor a great man on your wedding day. My love to you both.
xoxox…..Mom
PS….shout out to my sweet friend Patty, who made my dream come to life. You’re talented beyond words……..it’s time for you to fly.