I am getting married today.
30 years, 4 months and 19 days old.
I could never say that I dreamed of getting married when I was younger. I wasn't one that dreamed about those things. I dreamed about traveling, meeting people and doing things.
I also can say that all of my dreams have come true. I cannot believe the life I have. I am so incredibly blessed.
As I turn from a "single" girl to a "married" one, I do have a lot of things going through my head.
To my immediate family:
This is the last moment we are a family of 4. What an incredible family we are. I have loved growing up in our home. I have loved the moments of laughter. I know these will not end. I know life changes. Please know that I am who I am because of the 3 of you. I love you all.
To my brother:
This is the last day we have the same last name. You will still be my only brother. You will still be our only sibling. I am grateful for our friendship. I love who you have grown up to be. I wish we lived closer, but what I have learned through the years is that it doesn't matter how far in distance we are, we always connect and we always know about each others lives. I hope this does not change. Thank you for being the best sibling. You are always my little brother.
To my mom:
Thank you for being such a strong individual person. You taught me to be an intelligent woman who knows what she wants and goes for it. You taught me to live. TO REALLY LIVE. When people say that they are turning into their moms, I know it isn't supposed to be a "good" thing, but for me, whenever I hear myself say something you would say or do something you would do, I smile. I smile because you are the best person I have ever known and if I am anything like you, that makes me happy. The best lesson I have learned as we have become friends throughout my life is, I will always be your little girl. Thank you for the loving home you raised me in and thank you for such an incredible life. I am so lucky to have you as my mom.
To my dad:
As a daddy's girl, I know when we start the walk that will start the next chapter in my life, my eyes will be filled with tears. Tears because I am so happy. You were and still are the greatest example of love to our family. You loved us so much that you traveled instead of moving us from our home. Growing up I often wondered who would be my husband and if they would be as wonderful as you are to us. You set the bar so incredibly high. But this, this is why my brother is such an amazing young man and this is why it took me to the age of 30 to find someone who could meet the bar that you set so high. Thank you for loving me and being such a great example of what a father's love for his children is. I look forward to our walk down the aisle. I will always be your pumpkin.
To B:
Can you believe it? The day is here. Who knew that sitting in the Far West Starbucks all those years ago, just talking and becoming friends would lead to this? To our wonderful life together. I truly am in awe that this day has come and I am ready. I'm ready to be your wife, your partner in life and I am ready to be our own "family" together. Life has so many twists and turns and I am ready to be on the rollercoaster of life with you. I cannot wait to see you at the end of the aisle. I love you.
To myself:
RELAX. Enjoy the day. Be in every moment.