On This Day

On this day, six years ago, I awoke alone in my house. Well, alone except for my puppy and the butterflies in my stomach.

I got up, let the puppy out, showered, dressed, and shoved a bit of food in my face. I didn't taste it; my mind was on other things, which somehow managed to take over all perception.

Getting into my fire-engine-red 1999 Ford Escort ZX2, I popped the button to raise the garage door and headed into the next town to pick T up at her hotel.

Hair and nails done, I dropped her back at the hotel and drove home alone with my veil flapping in the wind.

Everything seemed to go in slow motion; it was the longest day in history. Until T and D started down the aisle in front of me and Pop, and I finally caught a glimpse of my sweetheart.

It was all I could do not to run full-tilt down that aisle and jump into his arms. The rest of the day was a blur. A happy, wonderful, fabulous blur. It was as if time sped up the second I saw him that day.

Vows, pictures, drinks, pictures, reception, pictures, learning how to pee in a wedding gown, pictures, nibbling on a salad, pictures, two-second visits with every member of the family, pictures, dancing to the theme from The Breakfast Club with the wedding party, pictures. Dancing with - and singing to - my sweetheart. Pictures. Dancing with my daddy. My sweetheart and his momma. Pictures, pictures, pictures. Going home with my sweetheart and our best friends to change after the reception before heading out to play pool. Realizing the extent to which my tiara was wound into my hair. Not caring. Throwing my red University of Wisconsin sweatshirt on anyway and heading to the neighborhood bar, tiara and all. Celebrating with my sweetheart and my friends.

Funny how time flies. I could swear we just got home from our honeymoon, but here we are with two fur kids (ages 6 and 5), The Princess (age 4), and a pretty established life together.

I have to tell you, though, that the butterflies never left. Ever since I met this boy, they've continued flittering about. I guess it's a package deal.

Six years to the day since our wedding, and it still feels shiny and new.

Swatta, you are my best friend. I love you so.