Getting Rid of me

I went home this past weekend for the first time since getting engaged. It was such a nice reminder of this happy time in  my life since many people had not seen the ring yet, hadn’t heard of any of our plans, and all were just as excited as I was when Charles first asked me to marry him.

At dinner on Friday night my sister-in-law, mom, nieces and nephews were all full of the fun questions. When will you get married? Who will be in your wedding party? Will the girls get to be flower girls?

Then, the bitter sweet question…Who will give you away?

Since my father passed away, this has been a decision that’s weighed very heavy on my heart. Every little girl imagines it will be her Daddy that gives her boyfriend permission to marry her and then walks her down the aisle looking proud and happy on that special day.

My brother and I have never been super close (as compared to other siblings), but I think we have a special kind of relationship. We don’t call each other regularly just because. Neither one of us really enjoys small talk or talking on the phone. But there’s no doubt that we love each other, want the best for each other, and would be there for each other if one of us needed it.

I need it! I told my sister-in-law that I want my brother to give me away, if he’d be willing. In very Mac-like humor my brother responded from the other end of the table, “I’ve been waiting 30 years to give you away. I’ve always wanted to get rid of you!”

Dad would have approved and laughed at him just like the rest of us did.