Carissa's Wedding -- Reflections

My oldest child got married on Monday, September 13, 2021. She just turned 27 on Aug. 25th. She has a nine year old named Brandi-Anne. Rich and I have not lost a daughter, we have gained a wonderful son-in-law in Greg Paulding. They met through work at Olive Garden 3 yrs ago. He's 10 yrs older with 2 kids. He just got promoted into Management which means relocating in the next few months. Seacoast area, so he's handy to Mass. and Me. Carissa recently started a new job catering events at a winery. She will make a lot more money when she's doing that full-time.

God is good in so many ways... Her gown was bought from a friend for only $50!! The alteration bill was split between me and Rich. He paid for the hotel. Pretty sure his dad paid the minister. The original plan was for them to marry before "Grammy If." passed, but God had other plans. We lost her a year ago this past June to Alzheimer's. Her picture was on the piano in the same Church she and Art were married in over 50 yrs ago. Thomaston Baptist Church in Mid-Coast Maine. Carissa also had a good friend who passed in a car accident just after her birthday a few years ago. His picture was there as well, and his parents drove his Mustang up so Carissa could arrive at the Church in it. When the car was spotted, Greg went into hiding... lol The friend's mom was the official photographer. She did some really cool stuff at the Reception after. And that was another blessing... the Reception ended up being outside on the site of the former Maine State Prison. It's now a Public Park. The original plan was for the American Legion, but it was too expensive. More money saved, as well as my allergies, so yay!! And the weather was perfect. Low 80's with a light breeze. The photographer had to race clouds/sun, but it's all good.

Another blessing was my dress. I was supposed to do the "try on and return" option on the formal wear website Carissa had signed into. I didn't check on the scheduling soon enough... but thank you, Lord, Goodwill to the rescue!! Only six dollars for a similar shade of dark pink!! Different style, of course, but it worked well. And then there was the cabin reservation at Moody's in Waldoboro... We needed something with 3 beds because my parents and I, my uncle, and Brandi all needed to share the space!! The original cabin I had booked wasn't going to work, but thanks to some Covid cancellations, we were able to get a beautiful 2 bedroom cabin with a kitchen and cook-top!!

The trip up had a slight "glitch" that was easily fixed. The return trip, well... we didn't get lost or anything, but it took waaaay longer than it should have... Just glad to be home in one piece and that Brandi was able to get to school this morning. Say it with me -- "God is good - All the time." God Bless!!

P.S. -- No pics until the Bride approves... stay tuned!! ... Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the space that God inserted into my day before we left Sunday due to a miscommunication about Fellowship Groups before Church. Long story short, Rob and I attended the early service. Afterwards, we had to shop for a few last minute items. We realized neither of us had our wallets.. You can guess what happened half way across the parking lot... 😉❤... "God is good... "