Every year on Mother’s Day I am reminded how unbelievably blessed I am, not just to have a fantastic mother who is my number one cheerleader, my unwavering strength and my constant fashion consultant, but to have [now 23] years full of women who have taught me how to be a wife, mother, teacher, caregiver, friend, adventurer, writer and Christian! From my grandmas to my best friends to “surrogate gmas” and “second Mamas” to my teachers to my aunts to my VBFF and to every woman who has played any instrumental role in my life, Thank You!
Celebrating Mother's Day with the Fam!!!
This weekend, I’ve been pretty focused on those lessons learned on being a wife. (Don’t get too excited; I’m not announcing anything dramatic! I’m still getting past that whole “obey” concept.) Alas, it seems this summer will be a never-ending string of weddings as I watch six high school classmates, two FFA buddies and one Uncle tie the knot! (I should also give a shout out to a couple of my best friends, Matt and Sarah, whom I setup and who’s December 2012 wedding I was meant to be in! When I told Sarah about my opportunity for The World Race, she didn’t bat an eye in telling me to GO! Thank God for Christian friends! I promise, I will find a way to Skype into the ceremony.) 😉
Alas, I digress. Yesterday opened up “wedding season” with a road trip to The Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, KY (one of my favorites!) for the nuptials of my childhood and still good friend, Millie, and her love, Jeff.
I’ve known Millie since 4th grade, when she attended a now infamous sleepover at my house that climaxed in a mass of little girls cooking bacon, eggs and biscuits at 4:00AM, much to the chagrin of my parents. J From there, Millie and I played middle school basketball together, and in travelling to countless AAU tournaments, we discovered a road trip love of the Spice Girls and of Merle Haggard’s, “Mama Tried.” Mille can also do an impressive impersonation of Gus-Gus (the fat mouse in Cinderella) saying, “Duh duh duh… Happy Birfday!” I request this annually! We’ve kept in decent contact since high school and there was no way I was missing her special day!
If any word describes this wedding, it is G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S! We are talking the most magnificent decorating I have ever seen, fantastic historical venue, relaxed atmosphere, beautiful bridal party and an absolutely stunning bride! Seriously, I can not imagine a more perfect dream wedding to better fit my friend!
However, as fabulous as the ceremony, the food, the décor and the socializing were, none of these are what I will always remember about Millie’s wedding. Instead, I’ll always think back to the lighting of their unity candle. See, these two are a pretty awesome match. They are both quiet and laid back. They are both crazy tall! They are both OBSESSED with ESPN! And they both have a faith in God that amazes me. As “Only Hope” played in the background, I watched Millie and Jeff light their unity candled and extinguish those lit by their parents, and like at most weddings, I expect to watch them hold hands, smile at each other, say “I love you,” a million times and giggle until the song ended. But instead, Jeff put his arm around his bride and prayed. Not just a quick, “God bless us if you can,” but a fervent trusting in Him to lead their union and keep their marriage safe and strong in Him. I couldn’t help smiling (and tearing up) in happiness for my friend. I remembered, then, the first time Millie told me about Jeff. I’m paraphrasing a bit, but she said something like, “I’ve found a man who loves God and who truly cares about me.” And she definitely threw a “Booyah” in there!
What mother wouldn’t want that for her daughter? The chance to be a wife to a man who answers to God and seeks His leadership; to know that even though a man is imperfect, he will do all that he can to love you as Christ loved His church… that is worth waiting for!
Celebrating Millie's Big Day with members of TCCHS c/o 2007! We're all grown up!!!
So thankful that God illustrates using every situation. Thankful to have reminisced with so many great friends! Thankful for lessons learned everyday. Thankful for all the women God has put in my life to guide and guard me. Thankful for Millie and Jeff and the beautiful life they have started. And today, most of all, thankful that my Mama tried.
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
