My little household is still sleeping, so I thought I would take advantage of this quiet moment to finally post an update. Times to write have been quite rare these past few months. First there was the annual bazaar, then there was the wedding, then moving, then the holidays, plus work, plus Vincent,... Phew... Thinking back is getting me exhausted again! But it was all so GOOD!
THE W
The most-asked question before the wedding was, "How are the wedding preparations?". I could tell that people were expecting that I would break down in tears because of stress or have a long list woes about dealing with Bruce about wedding decisions. It was nothing like that at all. Preparing for our wedding was so much fun! In our minds it was clear that God had this wedding planned for us. Everything just fell into place. We got married on December 12th, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who also happens to be the Patron Saint of Marriages. Everybody that we worked with had all the same ideas we had for our wedding. Most importantly, Bruce and I were on the same page with so many of the details for our wedding. This wedding was truly meant to happen as we even found out two days before the wedding that we needed to have a marriage license three days before the wedding! Bruce and I laughed about this all the way to the courthouse and that worked itself out as well.
On our mini-honeymoon at the Coast (which was so generously given to us by Katrina and Aki!), Bruce and I would talk on and on about our wedding. We were so thankful that we could reflect back on our wedding and see it as a truly joyous occassion. It was just lovely. We started the festivities with a rehearsal on a cold and icy evening. The People of Praise Community Center was lovingly decorated by a wonderful group of ladies. The details were impeccable -- down to ornaments that said "Michi and Bruce, Dec. 12, 2010". The food. prepared by those from the community as well, was so yummy, too!
The next day the ice melted and most of our guests were able to attend the wedding. Mass was celebrated by Fr. John Henderson, our Pastor and my boss. We looked out into the Church and all we saw were friends and family. Each and every person in this crowd was someone we knew and someone who really wanted to celebrate with us. It felt so comfortable being up by the altar. One reason because all the faces in the crowd were friendly. Another because marrying Bruce just felt so right.
The reception venue was full and more tables and chairs had to be added! There was a constant chatter and lots of laughter. As Barb Anderson, our Pastoral Associate and my supervisor, put it, "It wasn't like a wedding, it was more like a party -- which is a good thing!". Almost everyone knew each other from the parish. And those who didn't really know too many people were really made to feel welcome and got to make new friends. Vincent's tutor, Sarah, ended up having her daughter leave her when it was time to go because she wasn't ready to leave yet. She was then taken home by another guest whom she had just gotten to know that evening.
If I had to relive that whole experience, I would do it in an instant. Of course, only if I would be marrying Bruce again :) As it goes, I am most excited about moving forward though and enjoying each moment now. Our transition has been much easier than I expected. Vincent just loves his new stepdad and Bruce has been just wonderful with him. Vincent is learning so many new things from Bruce -- like enjoying things like a punching bag (which is very prominent in Vincent's room) and antlers on a rack. Males will be males...
WHAT'S NEXT?
Now we are excitedly preparing for our trip to the Philippines! I am so excited to be going back home with Bruce and Vincent. We are all looking forward to seeing Bruce in Manila and the kinds of reactions he will receive. There's non-stop talk about food, friends, family, and beaches. Bruce and I will be taking off for a few days to enjoy some time on a warm beach. Aaaahhhh... It really doesn't get any better than this.
WHAT DID I LEARN?
This wouldn't be a Michi Blog without any lessons learned:) These past few months have been amazing. We all talk about trusting in God's plans for us and leaving it all up to Him. This has been such a struggle because I want to control what happens. I want things to go my way. I thought I knew what I wanted, but it wasn't to be. I fought it for so long. When I finally gave up and told God that, He took over. Boy, did He take over! I am now married to the best friend I could possibly think of. We talk, laugh, and just enjoy each other's company. God has brought to Vincent a man who understands him, cares for him, has fun with him, and is just an excellent role model. I always thought I had to settle for one or the other, but no. God is sharing with me someone who truly fits and then some!
I asked Bruce if it will always be this much fun. His answer? No. Fine. I suppose he's right. I have been reminded, though, that God will take care of us. I know I will need to be reminded of this constantly. Fortunately, God knows and expects this of me. The most powerful lesson of all this -- meeting Bruce to being married to him -- is that God knows me and knows what's best for me. He knows me and loves me. Wow.
