Nuthin’ but an H thang, Baybay…

On Saturday, my cousin Emily and her fiance’ Brian were married at St. Terese Church in St. Paul. Everything went off without a hitch–despite the cool, cloudy, drizzly weather. Emmy looked beautiful and Auntie Bon did a great job with the extensive (exhausting, expensive, and other ex’s I’m sure) planning weddings require. Her flowers included lilacs and lily of the valley (two of my Gramma’s favorites–they actually came from her yard). My Grandma would’ve really loved that. Sure, it was Em’s wedding but it seemed also like a nice tribute to my Grandma. St. Terese was her church for over 50 years. It was bittersweet being there after we had her funeral just a couple weeks ago though I can’t think of a better place to be near her. She was truly there with us in spirit.

The reception took place at the Wabasha Street Caves in the Lowertown area (also in St. Paul, for you non-St. Paulites). Turned out to be a really fun place to hold it. You literally walk into a wall of rock that’s been hollowed out into several “rooms,” which have coved ceilings and stucco walls. They also have a huge cocktail bar and hardwood dancefloor. For dinner, they served both prime rib and chicken – fancy! As wedding dinners go, this was one of the best I’ve ever had.

And then, the other shoe dropped. My temporary crown (dental work, not headpiece) fell out! As the evening progressed, my tooth really started to hurt and the champagne (and cake) didn’t help. Maybe I chewed my steak too hard…or something. Adam took me home just after 11pm so that I could load up on ibuprofen. Despite the little dental mishap, it was a really nice wedding. I wish Em and Brian the best.

So last Friday, I came home from running errands to find Adam’s car in the garage. I was surprised because he was supposed to be at work (and plus it was MY turn to park in the garage, dangit). Inside the house, I heard music blaring upstairs. I followed the sound to the stairway and found red rose petals all over the floor. I walked into the bedroom and discovered a large bouquet of red roses, an ice bucket with champagne and flutes…but no Adam. I stepped over to the doorway for the deck and Adam popped his head out of the closet! He took my hat off of my head and spun me around. He pointed to the other side of the room and walked over toward a small box on the bed. I felt as if I might faint. He took the ring into his hand, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. My reply? “Of course I’ll marry you!! You know I’ll marry you!!!” Hugs, kisses and champagne out on the deck ensued (Adam popped the champagne cork several feet from the deck to the garage – he’s very very talented, that boy). We called friends and family to announce our happy news.
The Ring
In a word, the ring is unbelievable. The diamond is called a Lucere’ for it’s cut. It’s the most sparkly thing I’ve ever seen. There are two light pink trillion shaped sapphires, one on either side of the diamond. The band is platinum. He did a beautiful job putting it together, though I would marry him no matter what he gave me. Now we have a fabulous wedding to plan, probably in the Fall of 2005.
Weddings & Parties
Now that we’re on the topic of weddings, I should note that I attended the bachelorette party for my cousin Emily on Saturday at MOA. Em is getting married next week and I get to be one of her blushing bridesmaids in lavender. The girls enjoyed hanging out in the piano bar but I had to dip out a little early because I had to get up early on Sunday. I called Adam as I left; he was at a birthday party for two of his friends a couple blocks away from our house. I decided to stop in to say Happy Birthday to AdamV and Andy on my way home. It was another opportune moment to show off my ring! I’m such a lucky girl:)

Yesterday, my grandma, Della Mae, passed away. She was one of the most special people in my life.

We found out about four months ago that she had lung cancer, shortly after Christmas. My extended family rotated by her side the entire time she was sick–they are the most wonderful people. Everyone took great care of her and we were truly blessed to get to spend so much quality time with her (and each other). I’m so thankful for the final laughs and hugs and memories we enjoyed. I feel bad for people who didn’t know my grandma, because she was absolutely amazing. I cannot express to you how fortunate I was to have her as my grandmother, just as I am fortunate to have all of the loving aunts and uncles and cousins I have…I hope they know how special I think they all are.

My grandma and I were extremely close my whole life. I wanted to tell her how much I love and appreciate her but I couldn’t get it out. I knew I couldn’t get through it without sobbing and I didn’t want to make her feel bad seeing my sorrow. So, I wrote her a letter in a Mother’s Day card (and enclosed photo of her and me from when she helped me move into my college dormroom). I cried all the way through writing it. I asked my mom to give it to her after I left for the night. She was able to read it before she went to sleep pretty much for good. As angry and as hurt as I am now for this incredible loss, I am so grateful for that one little thing.

I’m trying really hard to be happy for my grandma…if what most people believe is true, she’s in a better place and she’s reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. I guess I’m just feeling sorry for myself because I miss her so deeply already. There are some things in life you don’t ever want to let go of; for me, she’s one of those things. I will never be the same.

I hope anyone who reads this grabs someone who has been special to them and lets them know how much they mean to them. Trust me, it’s such an important thing.