Mawage

(you have to know "Princess Bride" to get that title... it can't be explained, sorry)

We had a whirlwind weekend, and my mind and washing machine are still spinning.

We drove through the twisty mountains, thank heavens for very beautiful weather, as the view and the turns provided enough for a breath-taking experience. It was fun to show my family where I lived and went to school my freshman year of university in western Canada. We stayed with my sister and enjoyed a delicious (belated) Canadian Thanksgiving feast, lots of Wii time, and good company. The cousins were hilarious together.
And we were able to attend my cousin's wedding. Always a pleasure to see young lovers vow to keep their love strong, enduring, and eternal.

Seeing Oma was a treat, as the occasions to do so seem to be more infrequent. She is beautiful - inside and out. I wondered how someone, who had been married for almost 50 years and then lost her beloved, felt watching her granddaughter so young and in love start a legacy of love of her own. Did she ache for her eternal love? Did she remember her special day? Did she quietly recall the moments and memories that make up a lasting marriage?
I couldn't help but think back to my own wedding of course. With many hours spent in a vehicle with Mr. Man, and even some moments all alone (praise Uncle Scott), we had a chance to re-evaluate our marriage, our love, and our life together. I think I have a wonderful marriage. We've worked hard to have that. Lately it's been a lot of bliss. Which is nice and comfortable. And so it's time to think about what we can work on to make it even better. I mean, can you imagine "better"? It's been almost ten years. Gasp. When I picture a bride, I picture myself less and less and am thinking much more forwardly - like when my own daughter will be the bride. Heaven forbid she be less than 25.

I took lots of pictures but the one that touched me the most was this one:
In between shots (by the professional photographer) my Aunt grasped her daughter lovingly, while my Uncle gazed at her adoringly. You can just feel the love. I want that picture (but with Mr. Man, Miss J and myself) on my wall. I want that picture in my life. I want to love like that and be loved in return, but still be able to let go.

Another thing that hit me, was that some day our kids won't be such a HUGE part of my life. I mean really, you do "give them away" in a very literal sense. One day the family picture hanging on my wall will look like this (perhaps a little more wrinkly, though I promise to maintain the blonde!)
Another reason to make my mawage a very large focus in my life.