Successions of Nuptials ~ Week One

As many of you know, the first book is being published as I write. I will no longer be posting chapters of Successions of Somethings on the blogspot. However, I will occasionally give updates for the release of the book, so those who have been reading can find out what happened to Sonny, what secrets Pearl is still holding, and what becomes of Gwenn and Maddie. Look for it to make its début around the first of February at authorhouse.com and several other bookselling websites. In addition, I am going to be writing weekly posts about my new Succession. Although this new blog was not originally slated as one of the Succession books, it seems appropriate to share the progression of this new saga as it mirrors a new chapter in my life- one of the successions in motherhood and more importantly- an exciting time in my oldest daughter’s life.

So, here it goes- welcome to the next Succession book. It will be very different than the first, but still hopefully hold suspense. Let’s follow Pearl as she prepares to let go of her daughter. What lessons must she learn?



Successions of Nuptials


Week One

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."

Proverbs 1:8-9

Today marks one week since my daughter’s boyfriend (Jason) texted to say he was engaged, he “finally talked her into marrying him”. Funny that his joke sent me into a reality check that emphasized the many emotions I didn’t really expect to deal with so very early in this process. Stepping back to Thanksgiving weekend and Jason’s request for my daughter’s hand, I snapped into this ageless whirlwind of letting go and holding on. Did I teach her well? Is she really ready for this next step? Did I teach her anything? Will she repeat my mistakes (God- please don’t let her repeat my mistakes)? Most of all; does he really love her enough to make it forever? A month later, an informing text, and a reassurance, wow- this is real, and they really are excited about their new adventure.

Last night, Arynn (my youngest daughter) and I looked at the potential wedding site, caterers, bakeries, and florists online. We clicked through bridal party gown pages on the web, and we giggled about pranks to pull at the rehearsal. We called Elli with questions, and received her calm, collected, but thoroughly excited replies. Then, “Mom, I am coming home next weekend to unbox the dress and try it on. I can’t wait.” She can’t wait- she can’t wait- wait--- where has the time gone? We all know it was time for them to make this next step. We have teased for months. They have been together for two years. She has planned her wedding since she was a girl. Wait- she is still a girl. She’s my little girl- woman- girl. Wait. She can’t wait. My little girl forever, his future wife and love of his life (better be anyhow- insert smile); wow what a journey we have begun. Will I lose it? Will I hold it together? Will she want my help, or will I be in the way? Will we be Bridezilla candidates, or will we savor this adventure as a mother/daughter relationship growing into maturity and experiencing the many joys the next 17 plus months can bring? I choose the latter—I sure hope she does too.

It’s odd that I can’t remember what it was like to plan my wedding to her father in detail. I remember days and some moments, but the process seems to escape my memory. It was somewhat an escape from Sonny, and after my divorce, there were so many memories I skewed to make the failed relationship seem less unfortunate. But, sadly, I don’t remember my mom and I relishing the memory and excitement of planning my wedding. I have made it a priority to remember special moments with my own children and try to make the relationships stronger than my familial relationships were. Sometimes, I think my kids are so close and that we are open with one another, at least a little open anyhow. I have tried to talk to them each step of the way about good and bad and tough decisions, but now- this change is bigger than life itself. She will begin her own family in just 17 months.

I need to make this a good memory. I don’t want her to forget like I have forgotten. I don’t want her to remember what I remember. She can’t wait- wait.