The Tale of a Bridesmaid

When my best friend got engaged all I could do was smile and laugh. Shannon has been my best friend since we were three years old and she had found the person to spend the rest of her life with. I had just gotten married the previous November and as we celebrated over the phone, she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids. As she said, it is the obvious question, but I was still floored. There’s something special about being asked to be a part of someone’s wedding, even if it was expected. Of course she knew my answer and the planning began. I was in southern California during her planning in Washington. She was getting married at the same church I did, so there was a lot to be done in a short amount of time. Luckily I had gotten the time off for the wedding and it was all set to be there for her for a couple days before the wedding for any last minute things, even though she had a full family army behind her. I was able to attend the wedding shower that her family had hosted for her and I was beyond excited to be a part of that. Having attended a few when I was in the process of getting married, I knew she was going to be busy at this shower. She is a very popular young lady, so I was happy I was able to see her for a little bit in the midst of crazy planning. At the shower, I sat down at a table with my food and the next thing I knew, Shannon sat beside me and said “I’m so excited you are here!” I felt so honored that the guest of honor was willing to sit next to me and ask me how my life was going as a newlywed. When she was opening gifts, when it was time to open your gift-you were to say a memory of Shannon. My memory was a simple story of how I’m so happy that she has been my best friend for so long. We met in the nursery at church and according to our parents, were inseparable ever since. As I finished I caught her eye, and I had to stop talking because I almost started crying. I could tell the emotions were coming, but I refused to let it come out. I knew it was not going to be a good thing, but I just didn’t want to break down in front of people.

In the  months leading up to the wedding, I was surprised that I wasn’t as emotional as I thought I was going to be. When I went and picked up my dress, I felt a little emotional, but I was able to keep it in. I talked about it a little bit and just figured it was stupid best friend jealousy. She had found someone to become her new best friend, but I knew it was in no way a replacement. If your best friend has gotten married, you will understand my feelings. I was not jealous of her new husband, but of the fact that she was going to have another best friend. I felt like a child when I said it out loud and especially now that I write it. I was 23 and acting like I was 10. Sometimes it’s hard to be a girl.

The day had finally arrived. I knew that it was going to be an emotional day. I walked up the aisle and saw Myke in the crowd and he gave me the biggest smile. He knew how emotionally difficult this was for me. I knew that he was going to be there for me through the emotional breakdown that was bound to happen that day. During the wedding, I cried a little, wouldn’t want to ruin my make up after all. After the ceremony, we were to drive to the reception area. Myke and I drove alone and Myke asked me how I was doing. I looked at him and said I’m hanging in there. We parked and he asked me again. The time had come. I didn’t say a word, I just cried. I cried for a good 5 minutes and my sweet husband held me. I finally was able to catch my breath and explain what was happening in my mind. My best friend was leaving. This wasn’t like college where we would see each other at holidays and have a date while we were home at the same time. My best friend in the entire world was leaving California and living in Washington with her new husband. I kept repeating, my best friend is leaving. We were both starting new lives and I was afraid that we were going to drift apart. Myke let me cry and finally he said that we wouldn’t have to be like that, let her be married for a little bit, we know how difficult it would be, but she knew that she would always be there for her. Myke held me as we walked into the reception and I saw Shannon. I saw her smiling. She was laughing and holding hands with her new husband. They kissed and hugged. The strangest feeling of comfort came over me. I knew she was going to be okay. She had her Myke, except his name is Colin. I also knew we as friends were going to be okay. We were going to be just fine. I had been where she was going to be and I leaned on her and I was going to do the same for her. That’s what a bridesmaid and best friend does. Support beyond comprehension, loyalty like nothing else.

I’m so excited to be a bridesmaid again this Friday for my brother in law and his beautiful bride to be. I’m so honored and blessed to be a part of their special day, I can’t wait to be there for her.