Traditions

Each culture has its own traditions; Some cultures will not allow their women to appear in public without a veil over their face. Some cultures insist that their women wear wigs – only allowing the husband to see their actual hair. Some have elaborate traditional weddings. Celebrations on a new baby’s birth only after the baby has lived for 100 days. Some value having sons more than daughters. Some cultures are based on a paternal order of things. Others on a maternal order.

When it comes to my own traditions, there are some I too was raised knowing of. A beautiful wedding with a celebration after exchanging vows. Followed by a wonderful honeymoon to begin your new life as a joined couple.

If you are blessed soon afterward, a baby may follow which brings its own set of traditions.

I must confess to you all how pathetically envious I am of others. I didn’t have the traditional moment when your man would fall graciously to one knee – holding your hand and cradling a ring symbolizing a promise to you. And then asking you to marry him and make him the happiest man alive. Nope, that didn’t happen to me. I’m afraid after being with my guy for three years, I more or less told him to either make an honest woman out of me or just go our own merry way.

It was really a sad day – our wedding day. I supposed I had just expected so much more. There was no great planning – no expense involved. I had worked as a Paralegal for a Judge – He married us in our office. It was his very first wedding, so at least, he was very excited. My husband to be worked that day and was late getting to the office. He wore a clean pair of jeans and a fresh shirt – no tie or coat. I know guys, your absolute dream wedding, right? I wore a beautiful new dress with gorgeous heels, a small bunch of flowers and white lace gloves. A rather odd couple we were indeed.

Honestly, I felt like I had simply gotten dressed up for a doctor’s appointment. Just another day with a fancy dress.

Almost six years and just four months after I lost my father to suicide, we found out we were pregnant. A joyful event in all couple’s lives, no? I was amazed and afraid it wasn’t real. But when I saw the ultra sound, I cried for days from utter joy.