Prologue
July 19, 1969
St. Michael's Church
Elm and Main
Sleepyside-on-the-Hudson, New York
The union of your spirits here
Has caused Him to remain
For whenever two or more of you
Are gathered in His name
There is love, there is love...
The young woman wiped the tear that trickled down her cheek as her brother choked out his sacred vow to love, honor and cherish the young woman he had adored since he was seven. She felt as if her heart would explode, knowing how devoted they each were to the other, and hoping she might one day know such happiness.
Wishing she had brought a tissue or handkerchief and fearing she would have to sniff soon, she glanced over at the young woman standing next to her. Seeing that she also had tears streaming down her face and that they were falling freely onto the white and lavender daisies her friend held, she almost laughed aloud. Of course, her sensitive, caring friend was crying. She, herself, was the one who never cried. Or so others thought.
"By the power invested in me, by God and the State of New York, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Ha! She almost laughed aloud, since she would have insisted the preacher refer to them as husband and wife. That is, if she were to ever marry. Given that the tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship between her and...just then she was directed to turn, step forward, and take the arm of the handsome young man who shared that tumultuous relationship.
She smiled broadly and sincerely at the young man as they turned to follow the newlyweds up the aisle. Grasping his firm arm as he smiled back at her, she felt reassured that they were meant to be together. He was, after all, the most wonderful young man in the world.
She smiled over at her parents, so proud and happy for their son and his choice of a life companion. She nodded at her prim and proper aunt, who had been delighted that morning when she saw her tomboy niece transformed into an elegant young woman. The long gown and professionally done hair, make-up and nails had given her confidence and reassurance that she was an attractive young woman.
Grasping the young man's arm a bit tighter, she tugged him a lightly, anxious to complete the recessional and share her joy with the rest of the wedding party. Their comfort with each other was obvious as she smiled and nodded at the faces in the pews.
She was focused on the bridal couple slipping through the doors in the rear of the sanctuary when a flash of bright white and marine blue in the last pew caught her eye. She blinked and slowed, looking to see if it were her imagination. Recognizing the all-too familiar dress uniform of a U.S. Marine and the gaunt face of the young man wearing it, she stopped abruptly and dropped her basket, white and lavender daisies scattering across the floor. She stepped over the flowers and ran down the aisle, her straw hat flying off as she called out, "Danny! Danny! Oh my gosh. Oh, Danny, you're home!"
 |
|