One year ago, I was preparing to give my sister away.
And that’s truly how it felt: giving her away. Three years my junior, Katie has been my partner in crime since the day she was born. We lived under the same roof until the morning of her wedding, just a wall apart for 25 years, and the day she married — though joyous and much-anticipated — was undoubtedly bittersweet.
It’s hard to admit that. I love my brother-in-law and love him for my sister; it’s nothing like that. My fear was purely, purely selfish. I didn’t want to feel anything but happy for her on September 28, but I was so scared and sad for myself. Just weeks from my own wedding in November, the swiftness with which everything changed — a giant rug suddenly torn away — was like being shoved into an icy river. Sans clothing. In January.
But now, a year later, I can reflect on that weekend with happiness. With clarity. So many of the fears I had about us moving forward — that we wouldn’t remain close; that we wouldn’t see our parents often; that everything would be fractured, different — have not come to pass. As always, my imagination is worse than any reality could be . . . and though things have changed, of course, they are not bad.
They are good. Great, even.
I looked through Katie’s wedding photos last night, remembering all the anticipation and excitement and anxiety we experienced in swift tumult leading up to their union. As I walked the aisle as maid of honor, I remember clutching the best man’s arm because I was legitimately afraid I would fall over — because of my high heels, partially, but mostly because “I Won’t Give Up” was playing and everyone was there, watching, and it was really happening.
The moment we’d anticipated since we both got engaged — on the same day — was here.
It was surreal. That’s the best way I can describe the entire day: surreal.
But surreal can be beautiful, too.
Very understandable feelings but isn’t it great you felt like that? It demonstrates how close you truly are, and I hope it stays that way for both of you.
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Aw this is so sweet…
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Can’t wait to see Katie and Eric this weekend…………..can you believe this time last year……!
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You and your sister got engaged on the same day?! I love that! My sister and I got engaged 6 weeks apart. It was the best.
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Beautiful post and a great picture too.
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I love your descriptions, Meg! I’m sure that was so surreal to give your sister away since you two were so close. Such a great memory of it all!
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So beautiful,and already a year!!! So good to hear all is well. We hear less about your family now…but it’s all good.
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Change can be scary. I’m glad you have such a great relationship with your ester. And getting engaged on the same day…how cool!
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Congrats on being part of such a beautiful event. Glad you worries were unfounded.
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Beautiful reflection. Honest and true. Thank you for sharing. You both looked stunning on that special day.
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I like the way, you show how close you are to sister. Good post!!! I was also in a wedding on September 28th.
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