Wedding preparation
in a combination location
part Irish pub, hockey game, crumbling mansion
couldn't find the veil, the bustier, the stockings
serenely finding solutions and missing items
though slowly
our guests patiently waiting in a
Mardi Gras swirl of preparation
Mom was there
Mom was there
Mom was there
laughing, serving, problem-solving
her joyful face
helping me dress for my big day
She escorted me to the ceremony site
one arm around me and the other hand gently holding my wrist
after twining her rosary through my fingers
no bouquet, just her prayers and good wishes
handing me off to my husband with
her trademark smile, eyes crinkled with merriment
Her face beamed at him, at me, at us
nodding, affirming, consecrating
****
waking this morning with a sense of well-being
having made some sort of peace
with her,
receiving her approval and blessing
in the chaos of a heavily symbolic dream
of one of the best days of my life
I'm sure I will figure all the meanings out
eventually
but she was there!
she was there...
and happy and approving and involved