30 years…. #28daysofwriting day 3

The 2^nd of February is a very special day.  It marks our 30^th wedding anniversary.  30 years since we celebrated our marriage at St Mary’s Church in Mosgiel, 2 - 2 - 1985, on a cool breezy summer day.  I thought it might be quite exciting to record my memories from the day and reflect on the journey. 

My first memory is of waking very early and racing into Dunedin with Claire, my best friend, and Sue my little sister.  Olive did all our hair, then we headed back out to my childhood home in Allanton for Maree to do our makeup.  I remember the hum of activity in and around the house with relatives arriving from everywhere and Mum having oh so many last minute chores, picking up the flowers, picking up the wedding cake, collecting people from the airport and generally overseeing the hub-bub.  I remember Stuart arriving and the wonderful photos with Mum and Dad out in the garden then oh so soon it was time to get in the cars and head to the church.  I remember arriving at the church surprised to see a wedding group just coming out of the church, so time for a quick drive around.  I remember with great sadness that Mum wasn’t with us in the car.  Mum, who had been so busy and so much a part of all the organising and the day was left to travel over to Mosgiel ferrying relatives.  Mums really do have a challenging role sometimes.  I remember getting out of the car and walking up the aisle, and being completely overwhelmed with a feeling of awe – that everyone was there to celebrate our day.  I remember my first glimpse of Grant and wondered if he felt as nervous as I did.  I remember holding Grant’s hand and trying to sing, but not being able to find the words.  I remember our vows and the MAGIC of the feeling of commitment. I oh so clearly remember feeling like it was so incredibly grown up.  The exchange of rings felt so special. Signing the register gave us a chance to turn and see all our friends and family again, what an overwhelming feeling.  Then, as if in a blur, we were walking down the aisle as husband and wife.  At the door of the church we were greeted by a nasty wind and not many photos could be taken there or at the gardens as planned.  We were very fortunate to be able to go to Aunty Margaret and Uncle Frank’s and have our photos taken inside. The rest of the night disappeared in a blur of family, friends, food, dancing, drinking, celebrating.  What a truly MAGICAL day.   

10950 days later, we are celebrating our 30^th anniversary.  How lucky, how special, how MAGIC, how privileged I feel.  The road has not always been perfectly smooth, there have been challenges aplenty, but we have faced them together and are stronger because of them.  We have celebrated the MAGIC of two wonderful children, Katie and Jason and have walked alongside them as they have grown into the amazing adults they are.  We have welcomed their partners Sean and Gabi into our lives and feel incredibly privileged to spend time with our lovely family. We lost Dad 18 years ago and miss him greatly.  We are very privileged to still have Mum as a HUGE part of our lives. 

This week we head to Mooloolaba for a relaxing break at the beach.  I am really looking forward to spending time with Grant away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  What fun, what adventures, and what an awesome 30 years it has been.  Thank you Grant for your tolerance, your patience, your commitment and understanding.  Thank you for the journey! It is an absolute pleasure and privilege to be travelling through life with you!