Once upon a time there was a girl and a boy.
His face is all boy when he looks at her–twinkling eyes that belie his age and lips that curl in mischievous affection. It doesn't matter whether anyone else is in the room; he's laser-focused on his bride.
At 71, he still buys her perfume and lingerie. And she uses it…for him.
She's steel magnolia, Southern, feminine, strong and beautiful, and she could cook a a feast blindfolded with an arm tied behind her back. She's coy when asked if he's the only man she's ever kissed; he's confident he is but I'm left with a shred of doubt.
She was the May Queen, after all.
Regardless, there's no question she only has eyes for him. Over 50 years wed and they still hold hands when they walk.
Their courtship began at 14, six years later they married. They were practically babies.
Their family eventually grew four boys strong and many years later I would marry their first born.
* * * * *
For some reason, he decided to travel back in time the other day, a trip to the attic.
When he finally returns to the present, he brings an armload of memories. Her wedding dress…some other things that spurred recollection. And her veil.
I find it on a chest in their den, an accessory that tells a story.
Hairpin still tangled in tulle touches me. There's a sweetness to this sliver of neglect that stirs questions as to "Why?" I can't help but silently giggle at the thought of Sarah in a rush to honeymoon. After six years of dating, I think she was as ready as he was!
Hand-beaded pearls, delicate lace, fashionable 40s styling–exquisite.
"Designed by Miss Lillian for Vogue Bridals" leaves me curious who Miss Lillian is? Was she a Vera Wang of her day? Should I know who she is?
In the Christian tradition, the bridal veil represents modesty and purity; yes, this is perfect.
The netting for her headpiece is long gone. "I didn't know you could preserve it," she tells me, "but we wouldn't have had the money even if I had known." It's a lament, but I find her veil more beautiful because of its aging. Almost 51 years separate the then and the now, and these tatters and touches of time symbolize the years lived in the in-between.
Age is the price we pay for life…and it's worth it!
Sarah means "princess"–oh, how it suits her.
Her prince would agree.
And they're still living happily ever after.
xo
Very sweet! and wonderful to know that Love DOES last!!!
i didn’t know i could cry over the love of people i’ve never met. but i see my parents in them… that kind of love. it’s really priceless. it’s one of those things i’ll never have for myself, but almost feel like i have because it was so evident in them.
So dear, Robin! Made me shed a tear, as you often do.
Oh my goodness. So beautifully written of such beautiful, meaningful love. I loved the hairpins in the veil, too. So dreamy – the whole thing.
Karmyn, they’re Ambassadors for good marriage; I’ve been around for almost half of it! Wow…..!
Gitz, I didn’t know I could cry over a commenter I’ve never met. {{{hugs}}}
Alisa, well, you know those of whom I speak…so you KNOW how true this is! 🙂 xo
Megan, of all the things about finding her veil, THAT got my attention! It’s peculiar to me Sarah left it; and yet so sweet at the same time…. 🙂
{swoon}
I agree, the aging of the veil simply makes it more special and beautiful.
Love.
She’s 71? I hope I’m looking, and loving, that well when I’m that age.
My Mother’s veil is also Miss Lillian for Vogue Bridal. She proudly wore it 49 years ago when she and my Dad married. Next year, about a month before their 50th anniversary, my niece plans to wear it at her own wedding. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story.