The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of events. I have found it difficult to sit down to write because I feel my brain has been fried. So many things to take care of, so many details to keep track of, it's a wonder I made it all come together. Well, I guess I had a bit of help, but it was alot to keep straight.
Our second golf benefit was on June 2nd. I had been fretting that we wouldn't have enough for the auction, but it was for nothing. After the Memorial Day weekend donations started to roll in at a fevered pace. I spent the week collecting and organizing, labeling and documenting. The speaker, Harry Kerr, was emotional and motivational. My niece was able to attend to carry the Marine Corps flag in with the VFW color guard. Gold Star parents again laid the wreath. After a beautiful rendition of The National Anthem, God Bless America, and taps we were off and golfing. We were able to introduce the two 2012 scholarship recipients at dinner. With the weather being about perfect, a full golf course and many more for dining, the benefit was great fun and another huge success.
Although he never liked to be the center of attention, I think Curtis would be proud.
After a day of rest, we were at it again for another event, Emily and Nic's wedding the following Saturday! They have been in Little Rock, so I was an integral part of the planning. At times I felt it was my own wedding I was planning. Thankfully Emily is not a bridezilla and trusted my choices. Again a week of running around collecting last minute things, baking truffles, making cake toppers and putting out fires. Bachelorette party on Thursday, grooms dinner on Friday and the big event on Saturday, I'm exhausted remembering it all! They too had a beautiful day. The ceremony was fitting for a vow renewal, the date was actually their first anniversary. The venue was beautifully decorated and we danced the night away.
One thing was not far from anyone's mind. I struggled with who would walk me down the aisle, it should have been Curtis, but my brothers were thrilled I asked them to do the honor. The flowers on the alter were in his honor, and the unity candle played double duty by burning all night next to a portrait we placed of him at the reception. Curtis was there.
Like many things, these moments are bitter sweet. We had a wonderful time at both events, but a huge piece was missing. It is something I know in my mind, but it is not always tangible. I guess the moment at the wedding that it was painfully obvious is when the video of pictures that the grooms mother had put together was being played. There were so many pictures of us as a family. I watched the kids grow up in a 15 minute time span, and then Curtis was gone. Although I now have a son in Nic and daughters in Katie and Emily, that is something I may never get past.
Thank you to all that supported the benefit, and congratulations to the wonderful couple.
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