22 years ago my grody ole big brother brought a girl home from college.
And he didn't bring girls home.
He brought sweaty guys who played basketball and Atari Space Invaders, and raided our fridge for leftover pizza and Popsicles.
But, this time he brought a girl. A girl my sister and I couldn't get enough of. We instantly bonded with her, sitting cross-legged on our bed until late-night, questioning her all about college and our big brother. From that first moment, we loved her.
And we loved our big brother even more, for bringing someone like her home. Someone like her into our family.
Oh, I might call him my grody ole big brother. But, I couldn't love him any more, or be more proud to call him brother. (But, don't tell him--I can't ruin my naggy little sister reputation!)
21 years ago, he polished up my Great Aunt Mae's engagement ring, stuffed it into his pocket, and made his specialty dinner--spaghetti. (Okay, I think that was the only dinner besides scrambled eggs he did make!)
Oh, I'm sure there were tears. And most assuredly some goober-faced grinning on my brother's part. But, there was also a BIG YES!!!
And so began the wedding planning. Bride dress shopping, bridesmaid fabric selecting, china shopping (Exactly how many sets? Was it 4 or 5??), flower selecting, invitation addressing, and parties--beautiful, dress-up fine china parties.
Our extended families met, and began spending time together at parties and holidays. Our family saw why we loved her so much--her family was wonderful, too! We began to think of them as family.
20 years ago--this week--the big day arrived. All the girls in both families crowded together in that church bathroom, and let me tell you--there was a cloud of hairspray so think you almost couldn't see all the combs teasing hair and sparkly eye shadow being applied.
And, oh, the bride! Her dress was a fairytale. It had a gauzy overlay of the finest lace, sparkling with tiny iridescent sequins. I can almost still hear the swishy sound it made as she walked.
All of the guys were crowded into their church bathroom, doing whatever it is a bunch of guys do before weddings--eat hamburgers and punch each other in the arm?
It was time...the pipe organ began its first regal tones...the double doors opened...
And there stood my tall, handsome big brother, escorting our Gram to her seat. I can only imagine what she said to him as he walked her down the aisle. He always did hold a very special place in her heart. I can't imagine how proud she was that day. Her John was getting married.
Our other Gram was there, too. I'm sure she told John how proud she was...she wasn't one to hold back words, or opinions. How wonderful to have both Grams there to see their youngest grandson get married.
Beneath all that hair and spray, are two sisters who were SO excited to be gaining a new big sis! She might as well be a sister--she looks just like us!
And, in a moment of reverence and celebration
My grody ole big brother became a husband, and his wife Gina officially became my sister!
Happy 20th Anniversary, Bubba and Gina Beana! I love you both dearly.
