A family wedding

Like Mary Hatch in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, Dayna stepped out of the bushes into my life and into my extended family tree.

The time: about six years ago.

The place: my eldest niece’s house in Farmington Hills.

The first of my mother’s grandchildren to marry, my niece Kristie and her husband settled into a home in an established neighborhood in Farmington Hills.

Dayna, whose family lives in the house behind my niece’s family, is seriously interested in her older son, Evan, the high school graduate and party’s guest of honor

I soon observe my nephew gladly reciprocates the young lady’s affection.

Yet, I knew nothing of their romance before this gorgeous summer day in my niece’s backyard where family, friends, and neighbors gather.

However, my husband and I do know our niece is a good cook, which makes the occasion simply delicious and well worth the hour’s drive from our home.

As my sister’s family does for all their summertime gatherings, they’ve set a long table on the backyard patio laden with delicious temptation.

My husband and I fill our plates.

Surrounded by extended family, many I’ve not seen for years, the gorgeous summer day makes me near giddy.

“Did you see my vegetable garden?” my niece asks.

“Yes. How do you work full time and grow your own food?” I ask.
“It’s good therapy,” she replies.

My niece introduces us to Dayna’s parents. We learn Dayna and my nephew swam for the same neighborhood swim club.

Both lean and fair skinned, the graduates seem a perfect match.

Fast forward to February 7 this year when I attend Dayna’s bridal shower, enter a room alive with the vitality of young women assisting the bride-to-be with her gifts.

Meanwhile, I reunite with my niece’s family members I’ve not seen since several Thanksgivings ago. We speak of meeting in Grand Rapids May 8 for Dayna and Evan’s wedding.

Thus, this evening I pack two dresses for their splendid day. One, a new blue flowery print, speaks of summer.

The other dress, more sophisticated with dark, bold colors, is one of my late husband’s favorites.
Of all wonderful timing, the day after her son graduates from Wayne State University, my daughter travels with me to Grand Rapids.

There, we will observe the blessed event of Dayna and Evan’s nuptial.

After much preparation and planning upon the part of hosts and guests, the gathering will converge to one moment in time and fall silent for spoken marital vows.

Following, we’ll gather for a joyous reception.

Dear Reader, you never know who’s going to appear from the midst of blooming bushes, and seven years later vow to remain a part of your family tree as long as she lives.

Contact Iris at irisfarmletters@gmail.com