When The Show Must Go On.......

I performed a wedding for this couple on August 1, 2015 at the beautiful Chrysalis Hotel in downtown Bellingham, Washington. I will never forget this date or this particular wedding but for personal reasons.

I had arrived at this wedding venue over an hour before I was expected. Being early has its perks -- getting situated, having plenty of time, and some personal down time to just relax and meditate before a ceremony are just a handful of reasons that come to my mind. I had chosen to incorporate a week long family vacation to neighboring Lynden, at the KOA, along with two weddings I would be presiding over in Bellingham and Maple Falls. Our family had inherited a friend's RV and my husband was itching to try it out. So, this would be the trip that we would venture out and enjoy it. That week was very hot and I was happy to be sitting in the air conditioned lobby of the Chrysalis Hotel.

Before I check into any wedding venue, it is common practice for me to turn my cell phone ringer off. (I would much rather have someone else's cell phone ring during a ceremony than mine!!) I had another half an hour before checking in with my couple. I had looked down at my phone, which was ringing. My husband's name and phone number flashed upon the screen. I would not have guessed what he was calling about. I learned that my 13 year old son, Jonathan, had hurt himself on his bike at the KOA shortly after I had left. Both my son and my husband were at the nearest hospital. I had a sick feeling in my stomach. My husband confirmed what I had feared -- a broken arm.

Many things ran through my mind. I was grateful for my husband's fast acting response, for seeking the medical attention he needed, and securing the rest of our family with my adult niece and our oldest child. My motherly instincts kicked in and a let off a barrage of questions. Your child, regardless of age, is always your baby. As much as I wanted to be with my baby, duty called. I had a job to do. Gaining my composure, I finished my phone call and hung up. I said a prayer for everyone involved and spent the rest of my time meditating. By the time 430pm rolled around, I was calm, cool (thanks to the air conditioning) and collected. I didn't miss a beat and another happy couple was added to my repertoire of clients.

Being flexible as a wedding professional is a must!