I can never think of traditions without hearing Tevya, in “Fiddler
on the Roof,” singing in his deep resounding voice. I love traditions. For me, it is a consistent way of marking
special times in life’s journey.
Yesterday we experienced the traditional “rite of passage”
of the bridal shower. A young woman
(Charlotte) was surrounded by her circle of women (friends, relatives) who will
walk with her through this very special transition period in her life…as she
moves from one status to another…from being a single woman to being a wife and
sharing the rest of her life with a husband (my son, Marc).
Times of transition are filled with emotion. Of course there is excitement, happiness,
anticipation but there can also be some fear, anxiety, self-doubt. Can I really do this? Will I be up to the task? Who is better to give the advice, the understanding,
the listening ear, the support, than other women, women who understand how she
feels, especially women who have known her through various stages of her life,
women who love her and will hold up her up!
Yesterday, 24 women gathered around Charlotte at the home of
her “future sister-in-love,” Milli, to celebrate and support her transition.
Many traveled the long distance from
Charlotte’s home town of Dos Palos, CA.
They made toasts and expressed their good wishes.
They surrounded her with the things she loves
and even fed her, her favorite grilled cheese sandwiches.
Overtime some traditions give way to new
traditions. When I was a bride, I
received aprons and cookbooks. Charlotte
received more current gifts from her friends!
As I prepared to walk beside this new daughter-in-love as
she marries my son, I wanted to gift her
with something personal so I knit her a lace shawl. It was very intricate so it took time and concentration
and in each stitch was wrapped a wish and a prayer for happiness that will hug
her whenever she wears it. It was in her
favorite color, cobalt blue, and it had “bling” which she loves!
 | |
| Her "blingy" shoes! |
Traditions provide roots…and more than anything they remind
us of who we are and that we belong to something bigger than ourselves…we are
connected to a family, a group, a circle of friends…reminding us that we are
not alone, nourishing our spirit. The friends
who surround us helped to shape who we are and who are yet to be…they help us
remember who we REALLY are. Life is just
better together!
One tradition that signals Charlotte’s entry into our family is the signing of the “You
Are Special Today” plate. This plate has
been used throughout the years to honor family members at special times.
Today as Charlotte began her entry into our
family, she ate off the plate and she signed her name…it’s our Tradition!
Charlotte...we all love you, I love you and I love that you love my son, Marc.
Welcome to our family!!
I wish much happiness to Marc and Charlotte. I still see Marc as a little boy living down the street from me. Sometimes it is hard for me to make the transition between the little boy and the soon to be married man. I love your tradition of signing the plate. As you may recall, I am Polish and cling to the traditions that I grew up with. Charlotte looks like a sweet girl and a wonderful addition to your family.
ReplyDeleteI see a beautiful future and marriage ahead for this lovely lady and your son. Traditions are sweet, I agree.
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry not to make it, but this blog post is a lovely illustration of the festivities! Thank you for sharing. I adore the "You Are Special Today" plate! A tradition I might borrow one day...
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, love-filled day it was!! Thank you so much for sharing this memory and allowing us to shower you with our heartfelt love. I am so glad that we were all there to participate in and be a part of this chapter in Charlotte's life journey. Sha, you are truly blessed to be a part of your new loving family . . . and we are so happy that you have found true love. We wish you and Marc nothing but a life time of happiness.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless this union. I known Charlotte since we were kids in high school. She is the most loving caring generous supportive person I ever met. Marc is a lucky man; he will gain a wife a friend a lover and most importantly a soul mate that will join him on this beautiful journey until the end. I wish them happiness, love, joy, peace, marital bliss and lots of beautiful babies!
ReplyDeleteTruly
Mo