Sunday, October 6, 2013

I Remember How To Do This

Did you know that I haven't blogged in ages?
Possibly no one noticed.

My friend, Jo, stopped blogging almost a year ago 
and I followed suit.
And because I want to be just like Jo, 
when she posted yesterday, I had to do it also.
I have to do everything she does because 
I don't have a mind of my own.

Many things have happened since I last posted 
and I'm going to try to get everything in 
within the next few posts.

Let's start here:


That is my mother's engagement ring.
It is now perched, along with a gold band
on my daughter's finger.

I've been saving it for her
since my mother passed away almost twenty years ago.
She's always loved this ring.

Katie married Travis in June.


They decided to elope in Palm Springs.
I was just so thrilled for them both.

Travis is in the Marines.
He is stationed in Twenty Nine Palms, California.
Katie was living here in Glendale
and they were driving back and forth
every weekend to see one another.


This handsome boy is our dream come true for her.
We love him like no body's business.
He is loving,
tenderhearted,
and just as goofy as our Katie.



They came over for dinner several months ago
and Travis asked me for her hand.
I knew this was coming so I had prepared for it. 
Here is what I had written out and said to this boy:


Travis:

For the most part, I raised this beautiful girl by myself.
I was the first person to hold her when she was born.
I was the first person in this world to even know she existed.
And I was the first person to love her.

And that love is fierce.
There is nothing I can begin to compare it to.

I would do anything for my daughter.
I live for her; I would die for her,
And just so you know, I could kill for her.

I’ve invested everything I have in her.
There is nothing more precious to me.

You come to me now, not just asking for my daughter’s hand,
But asking for everything I’ve invested in over the past 25 years.
You’re asking for all the training I’ve provided,
the money I’ve sank into medical bills,
the clothes and education. 
You are asking to reap the harvest that I so carefully tended
and protected for the best part of my life.

And now she’s a woman.
A beautiful, caring, loving, woman.

Yes, she’s opinionated, strong willed, and highly emotional. 
She stands up for what she believes in.
She’s strong, but so fragile.
She’s the most precious thing I have in this world.

And not just anyone can come and take that from me.
It would have to be a man that knows himself,
that would be willing to protect her with his life.
That would love her not because of who she is in good times,
But in spite of all the hard times.

I need you to understand how hard God and I have worked to get her ready for you.

I believe that you know your own heart,
And that you know hers too.
I would do anything to see her happy.
And that includes giving my blessing to you both.

Your parents raised you to be the wonderful man that you’ve become.
And I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
And I couldn’t see giving my most precious gift to anyone but you.

Take good care of each other.
 

 

After they were married,
Katie and Travis moved into a house in Yucca Valley, CA.

It's difficult for me that she is so far away 
but I am am just so happy for them both.


They are in town this weekend and
she is on her way over with their new puppy.

That's what I've got today.

I'm hoping to start posting at least once a week.


xxx-ooo

Holly

14 comments:

Denise Z. said...

Welcome back!!! I check in every few days to see if you've posted, so this was a lovely surprise. Hope you'll stick around for a while!

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

Love this post! Congrats to that special couple, and I must say I have missed you.......

just call me jo said...

I should have written a note like that and given it to Kes. But I would just include the kill part and then I should have said, "No!"

I'm happy you are blogging again and happy for your daughter. You are a good woman. My stopping blogging and starting blogging really have no effect on you, woman. Tell the truth. You ARE your own person all the time.

Write on! Have fun with your visit with daughter and new puppy.

Anonymous said...

Ok, I don't hear from you in AGES and then you post this and make me cry.

Seriously, I'm thrilled about your daughter and her husband starting a new chapter in all your lives. They are a beautiful couple and your grandchildren are going to be gorgeous!

Glad you're back. I sure missed you.

Anonymous said...

best of the best news!

tainted with a positive view said...

I noticed, but what a great comeback. :)

TARYTERRE said...

What a lovely tribute to mothers and daughters. Her hubby sounds wonderful.

Ashley said...

Holly I have missed you! Since I am still a mom of a little one with a ways to go, it was lovely to read your letter since I haven't thought of parenting as that way yet. I am positive I will when some boy comes along. I am pretty sure I will threaten him to an inch of his life if he even thinks about hurting my baby in any way, shape or form! Congrats to Katie and Travis!

Tammy said...

Woooooooooooooooooo!!!!! You're back!!! Congrats Katie!

Kris said...

How great to see these photos!! She is a lovely girl, and a beautiful bride. What your wrote was moving, and I found myself nodding along, as this Mama feels the same way!!!
I am eager to hear more. I have missed you so much!!!
xo Kris

Deb~in~Denver said...

Welcome back! You have been missed, I was so excited to see a post from you this morning!
Your daughter is beautiful, wishing them the best!
Can't wait to hear more from you!!

Deb

Ann said...

So good to see you back. Looks like a lot has been going on. What a wonderful letter for your son-in-law. They are such a cute couple. I've not blogged since June when our oldest son passed away; I keep thinking about it but I don't know what to say yet. Maybe soon ...

larainydays said...

What great news. Your daughter is so beautiful and that man of hers, well, pitter pat, pitter pat. Good to see you again my friend.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post!

Helen