The beautiful couple is my Godson and his new wife. The wedding was sweet, and short, and their adoration toward eachother was so apparent throughout the day.
The flowers were simple, but beautiful, they were just right.
The exchange of vows was romantic, and sincere, and yes, of course I cried.
They lit the unity candle in perfect synchronization.
The flower girl offered rose petals for everyone to throw as they exited the church.
And we danced.
* * * * *
It was a weekend of remembering, of smiling, laughing, hugging, and eating. It was a weekend of meeting people again that I haven’t seen in ages. And on the way home, it was a time of reflection.
In my 19 years away, look at all that I’ve missed. I’ve missed watching the childhood of my Godson – going to his baseball games, birthday parties, and graduations. I’ve cherished a photo of him when he was just a toddler and it was as though my mind didn’t think of him as a person who would grow up, fall in love, and get married.
I’ve missed my cousins being born – and met one of them, an adult, that I’ve never met before. I’m on the outside of the inside jokes. I’m loved, yes, from a distance and with casual yet formal hugs and smiles. I am the one they thank for traveling a distance (though it’s not a very big one) to visit.
It’s amazing to me how much life happens in 19 years. How not being nearer to your family means you will miss it, unless you make it a point not to. I spent some time mourning the things I missed, but also being so grateful that this realization hit me when it did. I won’t be the one who sits idly by and waits for an invitation to be with my family. I need to be the one to call, to remember, to make the effort – because if I’m not, no one will.
What a wonderful, beautiful, emotional weekend.
How far do you live from your family, and how often do you see the ones you love?
{24 Comments}
Beautiful! Come take pictures at mine!
Weddings and going home are both very emotional experiences; no wonder you were in a reflective mood! :hug:
:bawling: yes, always sensible moments at a wedding. I love going to weddings, unfortunately there hasn’t been many in my family or among friends… I do nag them about it… *giggles*
Wonderful photos of a wonderful moment. Makes me remember my own wedding of course….
*dreaming away*
Oh so true!
I just wish that my sister, my SILs and my BILs would have children… I’m sick of watching them all get old. LOL! We are the only ones with kids!
xo
LBC
Robin – that would be fun! If you’re okay with only having like, three or four really good photos. :friends:
LBC – I hope they’re around for your kids, or they’ll be feeling like me in a few years!
I’m about 2000 miles from mine wonderful family. And it pains me everyday.
Wedding photos can be tricky, it’s so hard to capture that moment between the bride and groom,but you’d done so beautifully here! Gorgeous shots!
I didn’t want to cry today. I haven’t seen my brother or his children in 2yrs and I miss him. He’s on my mind every day lately. My dad and sisters are able to come out this summer so I can be thankful for that time. I live 1000 miles from home in one direction and my brother is 1000 miles in the other direction. He’s 119 miles from a decent airport and none of the discount airlines fly there. It’s my plan to try and go at Christmas. Hopefully, there are no wrenches thrown into my plan. Hugs to you and your family, Clara
I miss you so much every day, Leanne! It is always SO special when I actually get to touch you, and hug you, and kiss you, and love you, and….. 😉
:kiss: I love you Very Much!! :hug:
Till next time – I’ll keep reading, laughing and crying with everyone else!
Mom
I guess that I’m very fortunate that the family that is far away from me (some in FL and some in MI) are the ones that I prefer to be far away. We traveled last summer for my neice’s wedding and while it was a beautiful wedding, the entire thing drove me NUTS! I was very happy to be at home.
I know that the happy couple will love the photos that you took. You did such a great job.
Beautiful wedding photos!
I’ve been in both situations…I’ve lived far from family and I’ve lived close to family. I enjoying living close of course, but even living close, you can’t make those who don’t want anything to do with you come around. :/ Thankfully, I have a strong unit (mom, step-dad, sister, bil, niece, nephew) that make up for those who are losing out. The dynamics of family can be as tricky as a jig-saw puzzle! :doh:
The wedding pictures are simply stunning.
And while you felt out of the inside jokes, be proud that you’ve also missed the stupid snits and inside fights. Distance — mental or physical — is a double-edged sword. Don’t be too sad. If you want to be a part more, there’s always e-mail and other great online communication tools.
It all looks so beautiful!
Great shots too…..as always! :thumbsup:
gorgeous wedding! however we are missing a picture of you looking gorgeous at the wedding. duh.
and i know the feeling all to well of living far away. the drive to see my fam is 24 hours. 🙁
Leanne!
I am so glad I got to see you this weekend! I look forward to the all times you come in town!
The pictures are beautiful and you blog is sweet and touching!
Remember, dear cousin, I am not the far away from you. I would love to see more of you! 😀
Beautiful shots, Leanne!
We live somewhat close to most of my family. My cousin is moving back from Japan in two weeks and that will really make a tighter circle 🙂
What a beautiful day…inside and out! :yes:
Beautifully written. It really had an impact on me.
i always cry at everything, happy, sad, whatever, i always cry.
i don’t have any weddings this year, but my niece (my only niece, no nephews) is expecting this summer, it’s a huge deal for me, no new babies in our family for many, many years.
i have a small family, i see my mothers several times a year and my sister who lives close, probably not often enough. i have a brother that lives close, but has issues, so i haven’t seen him for some years, but it’s his choice, not mine.
What beautiful photos! We live almost 1,000 miles away from half of my family (my mom and older brother). We try to get together at least every one to two years.
It’s even farther to your house! :bawling: :bawling: bawling:
I am fortunate that my other brother lives in the same town as we do and dad, and in-laws are within a 2 1/2 hour drive. So we are blessed to have some family nearby!
I have to ask if you have been keeping in touch with your far away family differently since this post?
Absolutely, Beck. Facebook has been a huge part of that. I talk to my family so much more now, and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to stay in touch more regularly now!!
That’s awesome. I love it when people keep promises to themselves.
I just teared up. I’m such a sentimental fool.
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