Saturday, 1 December 2012

Life's Video Screen


I recently witnessed the exchange of wedding vows between my eldest son and the woman he loves.  In those few moments, a myriad of thoughts and images went through my mind – the sound of his first cry, the wondrous experience of caressing his tiny fingers for the first time, the sheer joy of holding him close to my heart seconds after his birth.  It seemed as if his whole life thus far played across a video screen which only I could see while he pledged his love and commitment forever to his beautiful bride.

Where have all the years gone, I wondered, as I marvelled at the sincerity of emotion expressed by this handsome young groom.  Pride, joy, happiness and gratitude to God for the gift of life and love filled my heart as my son and his wife sealed their covenant through vows and the giving of rings.  A smile touched my lips when I saw him discreetly wipe away a single tear from the corner of his eye.  I’m not ashamed to admit that I did a lot of blinking to ease the moisture from my own lashes, and even my husband’s dark brown eyes, so like our son’s, were suspiciously damp as well. 

Sons # 2 and 3, usually a pair of bantering, fun-loving participants at social events, wore thoughtful expressions as they stood by their brother’s side to witness his marriage.  The three of them made a striking picture and, once again, that video screen of my mind’s eye replayed vivid images of three little boys from the past. 

The bride’s parents and her four lovely sisters, along with a brother-in-law and precious baby niece, completed our expanding family circle on that special day as we all shared in the union of these two wonderful young people.  Just one more loving memory to cherish along the journey of life!

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