Putting Things Into Perspective

This post is not going to be your typical advice for brides-to-be, but I think it's an important post for me to make.   My dad has had health problems since I was a little kid, but things have gotten really bad in the past few years.  He went from about 225 lbs. to 148 lbs. in a few years time due to Chron's Disease.  He was getting so bad in the past couple months that I started to worry if he'd even be able to walk me down the aisle for my wedding.

This past Tuesday, my dad had surgery.  Because of his overall health problems and his low weight, I was really worried about him getting through his surgery.  By the grace of God, he made it through.  To our surprise, he started getting better almost immediately.  The day after surgery he was already getting more color back in his face.  He left the hospital today, a day earlier than what they told us the earliest release date would be.  If you had seen my dad before this surgery and seen him now, you would know it was a miracle.
Now my dad has some recovery still left to do, but he seems to be on the right track.

The reason I'm telling this story, the one that's been such a major part of my life for awhile, is because I wanted to put things into perspective for everyone.  When I started to think my dad might not even be able to walk me down then aisle, may not even make it to see me get married, my outlook on life changed.  I've never been a very materialistic person or worried too much about what people thought, but now I really see how much more important being with those you care about is than creating a good image.  I am telling you this story in hopes that some of you who are out there planning weddings right now will take a moment and think about what's truly important to you on your wedding day.  Once I thought there was even a possibility of my dad, the one who is supposed to walk me down the aisle, not making it there, nothing else seemed to matter very much.

While I know most of you out there don't have the same situation I do, it is something to keep in mind as you begin worrying about how much money you have and what you can afford.  No matter what, this is your day and what truly matters is that your future spouse and your loved ones are there to share in the moment with you.  I hope my story has helped put things into perspective and helped everyone appreciate what they do have.  Maybe now when the photographer you want is booked or they don't have the dress you want in your size, the situation will seem a little less like the end of the world (eh, well maybe for some of you) :)