Been on the Phone

Talking to just about everyone this evening. Busy, crossing all the "T's," dotting all the "I's!" And...I'm finally going from stressed to excited! First call...my darling Melissa, and she calmed me down. She is up from Florida and she has worked for an event planner this past year. She is doing some of the flowers for me...and has it all under control. She is also putting together a triage kit...you know, safety pins, spot remover, baby powder in case Jess gets anything on her dress. She says, it's better to absorb any stains without using water. Melissa has it all going on...and of course I feel so much better now.

I talked with Kenny's brother Don. He and Linda are driving up Sunday morning from North Carolina and they will be picking up Ken's Mom and bringing her. That's a huge relief to me...and I can't wait to see them. I wanted to give Don a hard time about the Dallas/Redskin game...Ken was a huge Dallas fan...but unfortunately the Skins won! Sorry Ken...my plan didn't work this time. It's OK, we will get them next year.

Melissa's brother Zach is flying in tonight from Iowa. He moved out there about five years ago and hasn't been home until now. So, I am so-o-o excited about that too. He and Kyle were cub scouts together.

And next I talked with Kyle and Jessica. Through Kyle, I asked Jess if she needed anything. Her reply? "Just a hug!" My reply..."Me too, I need a hug too!" That girl is a gem! An absolute gem! I am lucky!!

Randy arrives tomorrow evening at National. I will pick him up at Six and whisk him away to the rehearsal. We will probably will be a little late. It's a "fur piece" to Baltimore from DC during rush hour. Mom and Dad are driving down from Pennsylvania...and I can't wait to see them. Pop is walking Jessica down the aisle. And...well...that will bring back memories for me too. I know Pop is in his glory...he couldn't be happier!! And...I can already see the look on his face as he escorts Jess down that aisle...it will be that look of pride...I remember from my wedding. He will be tucking in that top lip!! How special!!

Dan arrives on Friday. He won't be here for the rehearsal...but I'm sure it will be just fine. We will quickly coach him Sunday, on what he needs to do. It is to be a very sweet and uncomplicated...heartfelt wedding...without a lot of the typical hoopla and fanfare. The usual fanfare is not Jessica's style. She is practical, and touching, original and sentimental. She does things in her own unique and special way. So, it will be heartfelt and memorable...and fun. For us and our family...there is nothing like a big old party!! Just perfect!! Anytime our family and friends are together...it's a very special occasion.

I also learned tonight that Kyle's friend Graeme will be there tomorrow night for the rehearsal and he is bringing his new baby boy: Jack. I have not seen this little guy yet...which reminds me..I still have to wrap his present. Kenny has always loved the name Jack...so this little guy has special significance to me. And especially since Graeme was just like one of our own...so it's even more special to finally get to see this new little baby! And so the generations continue...

All in all, this is amazing. I am thrilled about this wedding. Simply thrilled. I suppose this is one of the biggest joys in life. Seeing life and love carry on through our children. Wow!! What a blessing! What a tremendous blessing.