Well, the day has come. My first born is engaged to be married. Yep, it's true! Where did the time go? It almost seems like yesterday when I came home to MY mom and told her I was engaged to be married. I now know what she must have been feeling. Excitement; a twinge of sadness; pride; a sense of satisfaction; a tightening grip on your heart . . .
She did well in her choosing. He's fun, funny, loves her, likes us, has excellent goals, loves the Lord, loves his Mom, is a good friend, is considerate, he asked us for permission to marry her . . . She did well in her choosing.
Tonight they want to sit down with us and his mom to nail down the wedding date (looks like July 30, 2011) and begin putting together the guest list and really start making some plans. I'm so thankful they want to include us in the planning. And I'm so thankful that in the pre-planning that her sister and I have already started doing, that she's very calm and has an open attitude to all suggestions. And while we realize they have the final say, it's just nice to have them listen to their parents. Maybe she's finally realized that mom does indeed know a little bit about what she's talking about - :o) Ha! (Finally!)
So, now that she'll only be living under my roof for 9 more months (that's how long I carried her in my womb), I know it will go by so very quickly. I am so aware every time I look at her and hug and kiss her goodnight, that it's another moment closer to her leaving us. And while I know I can always talk to her and will see her often, it's just not the same. She will be gone. A happy gone, yes, but gone none the less. I hope 9 months is enough time for me to adjust to this HUGE change that is about to happen to my life. I don't think that the 9 months I was pregnant with her really gave me the time I needed, so I'm pretty sure I won't be totally ready for this change when it happens either. I did adjust after she came into our lives, and I know I will adjust when she leaves - not our lives, but our home.
I love you very much, Erin Paige Hemric! You have been a wonderful blessing in my life!! I'm so very proud of you!! Enjoy this nine months of planning and anticipation - don't let it bog you down or stress you out. This is such an exciting time, make sure you enjoy the ride! It's only nine months long.
