Well, I survived the wedding of my granddaughter Lauren Malkowich to Brian Dunlap June 19 in Indianapolis.
Over the years, I have watched Lauren grow into a beautiful, energetic, caring and intelligent young woman. She and her husband Brian met while attending, and eventually graduating, from Indiana University, Lauren's dad's alma mater.
Now let me get down to the purpose of this blog. After all my worries about how I would look at the wedding - after all at my age I'm that vain - the compliments were enough to make me think I didn't do so badly.
Anyone who has reached "The Golden Years" knows that a strapless gown in a "no-no" unless you don't have wrinkly, waving in the breeze arms like I do. My gown wasn't strapless, but it was sleeveless, which was almost as bad. However, it did have a sheer jacket over it to cover my multitude of sins.
Shoes were another issue. Finding a pair that were actually comfortable didn't happen. In fact, I changed my shoes twice during the reception. A shoe salesman once told me as you age your feet shrink. He's right, but only one of mine is a half size smaller. But I refuse to buy two pairs in order to fit both. He also didn't tell me what to do with a bunion.
In my world of covering the social scene, one lovely woman wore sneakers underneath her full length gown. When she heard me complaining about my feet hurting she showed me what she had done. I still haven't got enough guts to wear mine, but I'm getting closer.
If someone is willing to invest in my idea of a stylish, comfortable sneaker let me know.
One of the most memorable wedding tale was when the deejay called everyone who was married to the dance floor. With each song he said those married one year, two years and so forth to leave the floor. It went by swiftly. Eventually he played me and my husband's favorite song when we were young - Moon River by Andy Williams - and asked if there was anyone married 58 years. Of course, my husband and I were the only ones remaining. It was a set up. And a beautiful, touching surprise. We felt like we had won an Oscar.
Kathe Rose, who has not yet reached the golden years, but is getting closer, emailed me several gems that I not only found hilarious, but unfortunately true.
One in particular struck me at the wedding. "When people say you look great, they add for your age."
Thanks Kathe. Keep them coming.