Four More Days Until "I do"

From the moment our kids are born, we pray for them - for their hopes, dreams, health and of course, their faith. As parents, our kids look to us for direction and to walk in our shoes. There are times when I can honestly admit that I sure didn't want my girls to walk in my shoes because my shoes were dirty and less than I'd want for them to walk in.

Many nights, I lie awake, rocking my youngest who seemed to never sleep. I'd pray for her to be loved and cherished the way a mom's heart cherishes her. I would pray that she would eventually get potty trained, telling her that if she didn't "get it" one day, her husband would be the one to change her diapers.

Oh, and marriage....As she grew old enough to know a little of the concept of marriage as a three year old, her honest plea was, "I'm going to mawwy Stevie Wonder". Such certainty! Just as sure as she knew that her eyes were "bwack".

The day, in her teens, when she was 14, she brought over Orlando to watch movies and introduced him to me. Something about him, I instantly liked which eventually turned into a mom's love. Jokingly, I would say, "Oly is like a fixture in our home." But, he was more than that, he was a good friend to Jarani especially when her bottom fell out and my divorce happened. He brought me flowers on Mother's day, always giving me a hug and being there.

Even though they were "just friends", I saw the love and determination in Oly. His parents told me that when Oly was in kindergarten, he would cry out that all he wanted was to "get married". I hoped that one day, Jarani would see the deep love that Oly had for her and her alone.

Then, it happened. They fell in love. Their friendship turned into a beautiful, romantic love story. The very moment that he asked her to be his girlfriend, on May 1st was a day where Jarani smiled bigger than I've ever seen her smile.

And on May 1st, 4 days from now, they will say, "I do". A mom's heart always dreams that their children will find true love as they spread their wings and soar. This mommy's heart is bursting.

Four more days...I will stand by her side as she steps into a new beginning filled with wonder, of course, challenges but with the love that they share I know they will get through it with God's help.

I love you guys so very much!!!