Two weeks ago, DJ attended the first family wedding since she came out four years ago. Nightingale got married and we were thrilled to share in her day.
DJ and I had attended Nightingale's shower sometime back-another first for her by way of "female traditions." Most of "the Roses" were there: this is a nickname the female granddaughters share as they each took their grandmother's name in one form or another. DJ took this name as one of her middle names when she changed her name a couple of years ago, which touched her grandfather.
So, we ordered her a fabulous dress and as the morning of the wedding dawned, DJ was a bit nervous. She indicated that it was because she was going to be around a lot of people she hadn't seen in awhile and many she didn't know. I reassured her, as we met her aunt and uncle (Bulldog's sister and brother-in-law who we'll call Samba King and Tenderheart) for breakfast, that meeting up with them would be a great way to get her feet wet since both of them are such gentle souls. Sure enough, an hour later, she felt more confidant after breakfasting with Samba King and Tenderheart who fussed over her.
At the wedding, she and her cousin, who we'll call Belle (because she reminds me of the cartoon heroine, she's so pretty and sweet) acted like two young ladies do at weddings: they danced and giggled. Then her cousin Sullivan (whom I name after "Annie Sullivan" the "miracle worker" of the Helen Keller story because of her gift with autistic children) got her dancing, and Sullivan's husband, Golf Junkie, got her laughing.
Then her beloved Uncle Raucous asked her to dance. He's had a special place in his heart for DJ from when she was known as JD. JD used to give Uncle Raucous hell, which made Raucous roar with laughter. I think it was more of an adjustment for him than he ever let on to let go of JD, but he has completely embraced DJ, as evidenced by his dance invitation.
When all the Roses gathered for a photo for Grandpa (who was ill and only a week from passing away), DJ included, of course, I nearly cried. Then, for the last song of the night, Bulldog excused himself from asking me to dance so he could ask his other best girl, his only daughter, to dance. It was too sweet for words. Yes, it was definitely Nightingale and Sir Nightingale's night (he too is an RN), but it was a wonderful evening for our girl too. Good stuff all around :)
DJ and I had attended Nightingale's shower sometime back-another first for her by way of "female traditions." Most of "the Roses" were there: this is a nickname the female granddaughters share as they each took their grandmother's name in one form or another. DJ took this name as one of her middle names when she changed her name a couple of years ago, which touched her grandfather.
So, we ordered her a fabulous dress and as the morning of the wedding dawned, DJ was a bit nervous. She indicated that it was because she was going to be around a lot of people she hadn't seen in awhile and many she didn't know. I reassured her, as we met her aunt and uncle (Bulldog's sister and brother-in-law who we'll call Samba King and Tenderheart) for breakfast, that meeting up with them would be a great way to get her feet wet since both of them are such gentle souls. Sure enough, an hour later, she felt more confidant after breakfasting with Samba King and Tenderheart who fussed over her.
At the wedding, she and her cousin, who we'll call Belle (because she reminds me of the cartoon heroine, she's so pretty and sweet) acted like two young ladies do at weddings: they danced and giggled. Then her cousin Sullivan (whom I name after "Annie Sullivan" the "miracle worker" of the Helen Keller story because of her gift with autistic children) got her dancing, and Sullivan's husband, Golf Junkie, got her laughing.
Then her beloved Uncle Raucous asked her to dance. He's had a special place in his heart for DJ from when she was known as JD. JD used to give Uncle Raucous hell, which made Raucous roar with laughter. I think it was more of an adjustment for him than he ever let on to let go of JD, but he has completely embraced DJ, as evidenced by his dance invitation.
When all the Roses gathered for a photo for Grandpa (who was ill and only a week from passing away), DJ included, of course, I nearly cried. Then, for the last song of the night, Bulldog excused himself from asking me to dance so he could ask his other best girl, his only daughter, to dance. It was too sweet for words. Yes, it was definitely Nightingale and Sir Nightingale's night (he too is an RN), but it was a wonderful evening for our girl too. Good stuff all around :)
You know I look forward to my first wedding - I hope that I will find acceptance and love as DJ has found. I am so glad she had such a lovely time - your girl is really blossoming and she must make your heart glow with love.
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