What a difference a year makes!
A year ago, my groom and I were in Paris
at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome
celebrating 25 years of marriage,
both of us in terrific health.
both of us in terrific health.
A year later in Chicago at the Waldorf!
Much heartbreak, many surgeries, and multiple
illnesses later, we recently returned
to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago
with joy and gratitude in our hearts
for our annual anniversary weekend.
They will make you feel extra special at the Waldorf
sending up champagne and chocolate-dipped amenities!
I wanted to fully immerse myself in the wedding spirit
and paraded in this lacy gown belonging to to my
second mama...it is a gorgeous 1966 dress
and paraded in this lacy gown belonging to to my
second mama...it is a gorgeous 1966 dress
(the year my husband and I were born).
I would swim in my own 80's era 50 lb. dress.
I wish someone, anyone, had asked me at some point
during the dress shopping:
Now, you CAN MOVE in this suit of armor, can't you?
Because weddings tend to involve movement and dancing.
I wish someone, anyone, had asked me at some point
during the dress shopping:
Now, you CAN MOVE in this suit of armor, can't you?
Because weddings tend to involve movement and dancing.
Weddings by Tara Guérard
(Gibbs Smith, 2010)
(Gibbs Smith, 2010)
Were I planning a wedding today,
there would be yards of tulle and
a ballroom at the Waldorf.
I would take full advantage of resources
like this beautiful one above from Tara Guerard.
My cake might resemble this romantic
deliciousness from a page in Tara's book.
Ignore the hair.
Growing out layers is the devil.
The Tiffany crystal is my sister's!
We all know I am tightening my belt and saving
pennies for a trip abroad...I spent 12 bucks at my
favorite: BHLDN a stone's throw from our room.
Madonna? She aint.
Flower child? Probably.
If you read this blog regularly you'll know
my physique has changed from a year ago
when I had never heard of the BRCA gene
and could not fathom 'previvor' or
amputation/reconstruction/surgical menopause.
and could not fathom 'previvor' or
amputation/reconstruction/surgical menopause.
My mind and spirit have transformed too.
But love?
Oh how love has remained.
And deepened.
And deepened.
* * *
Whatever battle you are fighting just now...
know that you are stronger than you think.
Acknowledge that becoming a more vulnerable soul
may just be the best thing to ever happen to you.
may just be the best thing to ever happen to you.
And be kind, very kind to that soul as it heals.
Peace to you right where you are.
Peace to you right where you are.
