My daughter announced her engagement last February and it was all things wedding from that moment on. The year flew by almost at the speed of light and like a snowball gaining size, speed and momentum the big day loomed closer and closer. I felt a heady mix of excitement, anticipation, joy and delight because my beautiful beloved daughter had found true love with a lovely and genuine young man. All I have ever wished or desired for my four children is for them to be happy and fulfilled. That dream for my beautiful daughter came true on Saturday.
Of course I am biased as mother of the bride, but I can honestly say that she was the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. She was radiant. Her smile shone more brightly than the sun itself, in fact she didn't stop beaming and shining all day. Her handsome groom grinned happily from ear to ear like the cat who had just got the cream. Their happiness was contagious, as it overflowed to all the family and friends who surrounded them. I am now proud to say that I have my one and only son-in-law because when my 3 sons get married (hopefully!) I will have daughter-in-laws.
It was a day I will never forget, and was quite simply one of the happiest and proudest days of my life. The words of that song "oh such a perfect day!" come to mind.
Two families become one.......in fact someone said in one of the speeches that we have now become one very large, happy extended family, and that is what we will be. We will continue to love and support them along their life journey together wherever it takes them. Knowing that your family will always be there for you is such a blessing. As long as I live and breathe and beyond life itself, the bond we have as family will never be broken.
Ellie asked me if I could do a reading at the Ceremony. I was delighted and honoured that she asked, but I found it really hard to find one that I liked. If it had been a church wedding I would have picked something from the Bible as it is teaming with passages on love. But as it was a non-church ceremony I had to pick something non-religious. I trawled through 'Mother of the Bride' readings, poems and speeches, but I found nothing that resonated. In the end I decided to write something myself, so it would be unique, personal and from the heart.
I thought about all the ingredients you need for a happy, stable, strong and enduring relationship. I found many of these ingredients began with the letter 'T' so I came up with the idea of a teapot, tea-time, and a recipe for the Tea of Contentment. After the Ceremony ended many people asked me where I had found my reading as they liked it so much. I proudly told them I wrote it.
I would like to share it with you, so here it is ............
TIME FOR TEA
A cup of tea refreshes, comforts and warms, but did you know about the Tea of Contentment? This tea has 12 ingredients that are essential for a happy marriage, and i am giving you a teapot in which to brew this very special tea.
The T of Togetherness, side by side you stand like two trees, unique and individual. Over the years your roots grow deep and branches intermingle, so you become united, strong and able to face the storms of life.
T of Treasure.......your greatest gift to each other is yourselves. True wealth is not earning money or owning possessions, it is the ability to live and experience life in all its fullness.
T of Triumph.....face problems head on. Triumph over adversity and disappointment, for true love endures and overcomes.
Teamwork........work together, not against each other or alone.
T of Thankfulness.........always show gratitude and appreciation. Focus on what you have, not what you don't. Find happiness in the simple pleasures of life, and count your blessings.
T of tenderness......loving deeds reinforce loving words. What you give is what you get back. Give love, and love will come back to you. True love is when another persons happiness is equal to your own.
T of truth......walk in the light and keep no secrets from each other. A half truth is a half lie, so be true to each other and true to yourselves.
T of Tolerance......you won't always agree, so meet each other half way. Never allow the sun to go down on anger or hold a grudge. Forgive one another. Neither of you are perfect, so learn to embrace each others imperfections.
Talk.......keep lines of communication open, honest and clear. Stay connected. Words have the power to heal or destroy, so build one another up and never tear down.
Touch........even as you grow older. The touch of a hand, a cuddle or hug can say as much as words.
The T of Time......it flies by so fast, so make the most of every moment, cherishing what you have.
Finally.......the T of Tomorrow.....and the rest of your life together. May you have many blissfully happy tomorrows.
Use this teapot every day, adding all the ingredients that make up the Tea of Contentment, and you will live happily ever after!!!
My gift to the newly weds was a teapot with their names and date of their marriage on the lid, then all the 'T' words on the teapot itself. I thought it was the perfect gift, as they would always be reminded of the ingredients that make up the Tea of Contentment, and the recipe for a happy, long lasting marriage. A close friend gave them two matching mugs with their names on and Time for 'T' to match the Teapot......genius!!
There were a few other 'T' words that are equally important but I had to cut them out because there was a time limit on how long my reading could be.
Tenacity..........never ever give up and keep on trying. Persevere in all things
Tango......because marriage is like a dance, as you move in sync with each other.
Tapestry ........it is the life story you weave together over the years
Transition.......life is always changing, seasons come and go, but love always remains
Tranquility.......be at peace with one another. Let your home overflow with love, joy and warmth.
Lastly, and VERY importantly,
Trust.......is the glue that binds all of the 'T's together and keeps you solid, united and unbreakable
My prayer for this beautiful couple is that they live a long, healthy, happy life together, and that they drink the Tea of Contentment every day.........oh and God willing that they make a few babies along the way!!!!
