Friday, December 31, 2010

"What I Want You to Know About My Wedding"

I recently picked up an old August 2010 South African edition of O Magazine, an extemporaneously rare move on my part. The article that caught my attention was about a slew of celebrity women who wrote a letter to their younger selves (from Ellen Spragins' What I Know Now About Success), preparing them for the success that would follow. What on earth could these hot mamas, slick presenters, accomplished experts have to say that would reveal ways they would relive their pivotal life moments?

After reading their sincere accounts to their "younger selves," I realized that this mental exercise, odd as it may feel to actually do it, might be redemptive when addressed to someone loved, lost, and dearly cherished.

As life moments continue to approach, I have found there to be healing and courage in facing my emotions in grieving my mother: how angry I have been at her absence, how dismal the void of her guiding voice has felt, and how deeply I craved her affirmation on that special day.

As your wedding soon approaches, take an evening to light a few candles, drink a glass of Pinot Noir, and consider taking this step.