I
had been looking forward to last Saturday, 6 May 2023, ever since the official announcement was made. Such occasions don't come around many times in your lifetime. When they do, it's all about trying to take it in, storing memories for the future, remembering where you were, what you witnessed and, more especially, what you did to mark the moment.
Though not a young man and having experienced many special events and marked numerous firsts during my, at times, eventful life, there are still situations where the nerves can rise and if not managed effectively, overwhelm. This had the potential to be one of those occasions. For some time, it has been the constant chatter in our home and in the week or so leading up, the atmosphere in our house had been building and reached near to a palpable fever pitch, come the Friday.
Questions abounded, what will the people be wearing? Will it all go without a hitch? We were busy gaming (as I believe they call it) the various scenarios, risks and potential outcomes at various times through the week, as we hoped in particular for the weather to hold. So we could all enjoy the best time in the best circumstances with the very best outcomes.
On the actual day, I could not rest easy in bed and was up at the crack of dawn. Poor Daisy (our dog) was taken on a long and very early morning walk, much to her chagrin. She did resist at first but, almost as if she began to realise the importance of the day, soon settled down and we strolled along in the sunshine. Sunshine which, alas, was not guaranteed to last over the entire day, as predicted in the weather forecast which we had been following religiously for the past few days.
Post walk, it was nearly time. The nerves were at a heightened state. Everything was in place. No going back now for anyone. This was what we had been waiting for and had planned in such a meticulous manner. Surely nothing could go wrong. Deep breaths now: contain the excitement and stay cool.
Nerves were jangling and we were hoping that all would go well, avoiding any hiccups, major mistakes or even, please God no, disasters. In the end, it all went like clockwork, turning out to be a very successful day. All this and more, but what price can you put on your oldest son about to get married and you meeting up for the first time with his prospective in-laws?
Imagine the potential state we might get into as the mid-July wedding day nears!
Frank Eardley
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