Theresa Nottingham and Philip Walsh were married in front of those people who love and cherish them. It was an intimate, touching ceremony. AND I cried. It reminded me of a surreal experience-- a cloud of love and happiness. AND I was there!
At one point, the minister had Theresa and Phil, turn and look at the the people assembled to support them. I sniffed. The vows.....from their hearts....from their souls. I teared up. AND then I thought of Theresa's childhood....I cried.
Theresa and Molly "car- pooled" forever. I used to crack up when Grace would cruise up the driveway delivering her precious cargo--those little girls strapped in the back seat. The Nottingham black lab, Rosie, always rode in the front seat next to Grace. Yes, it was safer. But it always looked like Rosie had called "Shotgun" and the girls had to ride in the back.
When I drove, it was the "picking up" of Theresa for Central that would make me laugh....she'd be coming down the driveway, putting on her boots, carrying breakfast, book bag slung over a shoulder, putting on makeup, laughing, finishing home work....the chatter of young girls.....the joy. Molly and Theresa had talked the day before-- but it was as if everything was brand new. The talk would be of classes, guys, cars, music....the talk would be continuous and the excitement of a new day would be in the air.
Memories--
Camping......Molly traveling with the Nottinghams to Lake Sinclair camping. Sunburns! Swimming! Laughing!
Helping......Grace taking care of Molly while I finished my dissertation. I really didn't worry about Molly that year. Grace treated her as if she were one of her own. But then, Grace and Bill have graciously opened their home to hundreds of people. They have two biological daughters and dozens of children....who have stayed at their home, eaten their food, watched their tv, attended their tail gates, were listened to and loved as their own.
Screaming.....The "Tower of Terror" at Universal Studios!
Loving........When Mike passed away the Nottinghams were at our home as part of the family. One of the few memories I have of that week is of Bill Nottingham trying to get me to eat some ribs....or just getting me to try a little of his homemade lemonade. Grace guiding me out of the house to work in the yard to heal....just last year, I moved some deep purple plants she had transplanted with me nine years ago. Grace was right. Those plants helped me heal. The Nottinghams were there after people went on with their lives....it's a forever type of family friendship between us.
Giving.......Theresa and Molly-- as young adults...one Christmas Molly was as poor as a church mouse and she had hand towels embroidered for her two roommates.....Theresa and a friend of hers named-- Brad.....the same guy as in "Molly's husband is named Brad."
Watching.....The cool apartment that required Theresa to get up in the morning and watch Molly walk to her car so that she would be safe. (YIKES-- that place was great but scary!)
Giggling......Feathered door wreaths.
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The girls grown up.
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And Saturday night everything came flooding back to my soul--
Bill and Grace had created magic with the help of Lettie Nicole Events. The attendants were so proud. The couple was so much in love-- It was tangible. The minister spoke from the heart-- it was like a cocoon of love and light. The laughter rang throughout the gallery-- great music, great food, great decorations, great dancing....great love.
So I cried. I cried at the dresses, the flowers, the joy, the love, the place and the people....
I cried about the memories. But, I think, I cried more about the memories that were being made that night and the future of memories which are to come.
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