Standing in front of the church with flowers in hand, I wasn't thinking about my juicy arms, back fat or other jiggly parts.
I was in awe of the love between one my dearest friends, and the man she chose as a husband.
I thought about us graduating from high school. I thought about Sharon visiting me in college. I thought about when her son, and my God son, T.J. was born.
And I couldn't stop crying.
But these were good tears. They weren't the ones Sharon and I cried together over the ones who weren't worthy of our affection, over opportunities lost or life's other disappointments.
I felt like my heart would burst from the love I was feeling for my friend and her new husband.
Yes, you're reading the right blog. Yes. I'm feeling OK.
As you can see, Sharon was a beautiful bride.
The wedding went off without a hitch, and the guests kept telling me and the other bridesmaids how wonderful we looked in our dresses.
I accepted the compliments, and realized my fears were not just about the dress, but all it represented for me and my friend.
We're grown-ups now, her with a husband and son and me with a journalism career (and really, really supportive network of friends and family).
I prayed she and Franklin would have a happy life, and while I was wiping my tears, I noticed our other friend, Shirley's, lip was trembling from tears, too.
Red-eyed, we both nodded at each other, recognizing all that we'd been through, and all the life we still had left.
What a ride it's been, guys.
In the end, I got over myself and my body issues, and really had a good time. ("Soul Train" line, anyone?
Yes, we had one of those and did the "Electric Slide.")
And I did look beautiful, if I do say so myself.
Michelle, u know u my girl!! U, Sharon, and I go back like car seats!!! U are and were, simply GORGEOUS!!! How u gonna put me out there, first my dress size...not a true dress size either, lol!! and then u letting everyone know, I'm a CRY BABY...and they won't even cute tears...lip trembling and face scrunched up...a mess!!! My God, Sharon and I have experienced some life changing experiences together, and we are all ECSTATIC for her...Mr. Franklin man, u better act right...or u'll have some MEAN, ANGRY WOMEN AFTER U...u can have whatevea u like....better be the response to Sharon!
Stop being stingy, and send me some more pics!
HAAAY Michelle..... Girl I had no Idea you were feeling that way about yourself on that day! You looked great! We all did, and it was a beautiful day! Little Chilly, but otherwise perfect! It was sooo funny how we were all in tears. I dont think there was a dry eye in the house. and the funny thing is NONE OF US even thought to bring napkins or to give Sharron a hankie HA!!! But we worked it out didn't we! Sharron has so good girlfriends don't she! I'm a little biased in that question... We'll girl! It was great to finally meet you and I hope to see you again soon after all we have some business to talk right! Ciao!!!
Hell All,
Ok, I just typed this long message and lost it. Frustrating.... Michelle, I'm loving your depiction of Sharon's wedding day from the bridesmaid's perspective. You are so right! For some crazy reason, we all see ourselves different than how we are viewed by others. Speaking of body image issues... I joined the gym today not really to loose weight but to improve my overall health. I learned of a high school classmate's battle with cancer today. Sad news :( At the end of the day, it's all apart of His plan. Talk to you later!
Oh, Sharon looks wonderful!!
And you look lovely in your dress - it's a good color on you.
So nice!
Awe what a great picture of the two of you!