In November of 1994 I married Dan, the man
of dreams, a moment I celebrate in my heart everyday. That special
day I met my 86 year-old father at the foot of a Victorian staircase wearing
a gown that until then I had only dreamed about. I didn't want to ever
take it off. Later, when my new husband Dan and I arrived at the
bed & breakfast before leaving the next day for our Hawaiian honeymoon,
I was still wearing my beautiful gown, beaming I told the clerk, "Room
for Mr. & Mrs. Smith"
The clerk smiled at me, looked at my long flowing wedding
dress and laughed. "Listen", he said, "If you went to all this trouble
for a room Lady you can use any name you want!" At that moment I
realized I was "Mrs. Smith" and shared his hotel humor. Nevertheless,
that gown will always be the fantasy of a 34 year-old woman, who
for a brief November afternoon felt as innocent and as beautiful as the
music and sunshine that filled the room.
|