“…Eyeballs…” Book III: 33. The Wedding
Hey! You Got Eyeballs In There?
By Kate Chamberlin
As Grace grows up, some of her stories are happy, some trying, some enlightening, and a few themes are sad, but, they’re all the warp and woof of what goes into the tapestry of life we call Family. The daily living skills demonstrated by the fictional characters in these stories are valid, tried, and true.
Blind teacher Kate Chamberlin photographed by Kevin Rivoli for “Blind Ambition” written by Michele Locastro Rivoli, Democrat and Chronicle Newspaper, December 30, 1998.
kathryngc1@verizon.net
“Dream it. Write it. Read it.
Copyright © July 20, 2016, January, 2017 All Rights Reserved
by Kate Chamberlin
Walworth, NY 14568
Hey! You Got Eyeballs In There?
By Kate Chamberlin
Book III: Wife and Mother
#33. The Wedding
Grace dried the dishes her Mother washed. An old ritual that both comforted and got the job done. Grace’s mind wandered down to her parent’s den, where Ken sat with her father.
“Well, Sir,” Ken started, cleared his throat, and began again. “I’ve loved Grace for a long time and, I know, she loves me. We’d like your Blessing for us to get married.”
Grace’s Father continued to watch Lawrence Welk on TV, as if he hadn’t heard Ken.
Eventually, he said, “Yes, Son,” I know my daughter has strong feelings for you. But, as to marrying you? That’s her decision.” He turned to smile at Ken. I’ll go upstairs and send her down here. You ask her.”
Grace felt her Father take the dish towel from her.
“Your young man has something to say to you,” he said with a smile in his voice. ”I’ll finish up here.”
Grace knew what was coming, but, it surprised her when Ken knelt on one knee in front of her. He took her hand and said, “Will you marry me.”
Grace put her hands on each side of his face and brought his lips to her lips. When the kiss ended, she said, “Yes.”
They walked hand-in-hand upstairs to show her parents the lovely solitaire diamond in a Tiffany setting mounted on an ornate white-gold band. Grace could feel the tears of happiness on her Mother’s cheeks when they hugged.
Four years had passed to get them to this day. During college, Ken and Grace, Joe and Edie kept in close contact through social media and get-togethers as often as their schedules allowed.
Ken graduated from the Eastman School of Music and stayed on to become a Professor, joined the local orchestra of professional musicians, and helped the local high school with their musicals.
Grace earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts to become a high school Natural Sciences teacher, volunteer “Pink Lady” in their local hospital, and fund raiser for her guide dog’s training center.
Edie realized her dream of marrying Joe and owning and operating a shop of fine arts and crafts near where she and Joe lived. She accepted quality consignments and made many of the items she sold.
Joe completed his degree in Forestry Management, landing a job with a national energy company. He surveyed areas where new lines would be installed, insured compliance with environmental regulations, and sometimes flew a small helicopter to inspect the lines.
The August day of Grace’s and Ken’s wedding dawned hot and humid.
“Mother,” Grace said slipping on her wedding gown. “I’m so glad we made Edie’s and my dress out of cool crepe. The scoop neckline and long, lace flutter sleeves won’t be too hot.”
“The lace mantilla with the edge Grandma Kate tatted looks wonderful,” her Mother said. “And Edie’s salmon colored bride’s maid dress fits her to a T.”
“Thank you for spending so much time making our dresses,” Edie said. “The color of these gladiolas are a perfect match.”
When Grace stood at the back of the little church between her Father and Crackers, he whispered, “Joe escorted Mother to her pew and went to stand with Sandy and Ken at the steps to the altar. Edie had just arrived and turned to smile at you. Sandy is looking back at you. I hope he behaves himself.”
Ken’s best man, Sandy, whispered to him, “Wow. Who’d a thought my sis and that mop on four legs could clean up so nicely!”
Ken turned to see that Grace was, indeed, a radiant bride with a well-groomed Golden by her side. Crackers’ harness had a white, silk rose corsage on it.
In the middle of the service, Ken said quietly into Grace’s ear, “A fly landed on Fr. Bollinger’s nose and he didn’t budge. I feel like reaching up to swat it!”
Grace almost laughed, imagining Fr. Bollinger’s surprise if Ken did swat the fly.
It seemed to take forever, but, eventually, Fr. Bollenger said, “You are now husband and wife. Let no man put asunder what God has joined.”
Ken and Grace went from pew to pew, thanking everyone for coming and inviting them to come to the cake and champagne reception.