Today’s journal prompt by Folk Magazine is to share a favorite family photo and tell why it is my favorite as well as the story behind it.
As of right now, this photograph has to be my favorite. Yes, it is a wedding photo–my daughter’s wedding. In the picture from left to right are me, my son Matthew, my new son-in-law Bryan, my daughter Natalie, my daughter-in-law Taylor, and my husband Jimmy.
If you have been following my blog you know that the wedding took place last November in a beautiful outdoor setting on our own property. The Lord smiled on us and gave us a perfect day with mild temperatures and few insects (although the photographers did meet a few fire ants–sorry about that!).
This photo represents many things. Yes, of course, it represents the end of months and months of preparation and planning and spending, but it represents more than that.
This photograph represents. . .
- The end of an era, the era of child-rearing for me and my husband. Granted, both children were adults well before they married, but getting married signified that we as parents were no longer their significant others, so to speak.
- The beginning of the empty nest. For many parents that is a sad time. For these parents, not so much. We still have much to enjoy and much to do!
- The subtle change from a parent/child relationship to an adult/adult relationship, maybe even friend/friend. Something to look forward to!
- The reality that a new generation is following us. It is no longer me and hubby. Our offspring will now carry on for us. Hopefully there will be grandchildren in that equation.
- The fact that hubby and I are not young any more! Slap me in the face and call me a geezer! I’ll have to agree. . .
That photo also represents a moment of time full of promise and hope for a lifetime of marital bliss for my daughter and her husband. I pray it will be so. . .
XOXO
April Coker, Author 