The arrangements for my daughter's wedding was being made with all the ribbons and the flowers, the reception and everything that was suppose to be in the wedding .Everything was going so well when my daughter looked up and said she wished her Dad could be part of her wedding.That broke my heart because we knew he could not be there physically .He had died suddenly with a brain anurism and now is in heaven. I kept this thought in my mind and eventually mentioned this to our florist which was making last minute details on the decorating of the church and she suggested something that was really inspiring to hear. She had told me that brides sometimes place a memory candle in reference and memory to their family or a parent that had died. I put my mind to work trying to figure out what could I do to at least to involve his memory as part of the ceromony. I decided to place a memory candle and a picture that was placed under neath the arch on a small table on the alter.

When my daughter came to view how the decorations was coming along, I had told her of my plans and when she seen the picture she was so happy about the idea.We both cried and felt that this was like him being with us through the wedding.Although it was sad, It was a happy occasion because it was something we both wanted.It was something that made her wish come true.I thought at first, it would really make her sad and I was reluctant on going on with my plans but she really wanted this to be part of her day.

When my son escorted her down the aisle, she was so beautiful and her face just glowed from happiness. She and my son cried as they were going down and he gave her away. They both said that the memory of him and feeling his spirit made their day.

After the wedding, everyone committed what a beautiful wedding and there was tears of joy that was shared because my daughter felt the presence of her daddy 's spirit with her .
A little strange ritual I guess , but that is what every wedding is about . Something special. It was her day, and what more would she have wanted than a precious memory of him on her wedding day?She didn't have him there to walk her down the aisle but seeing his picture made her feel his presence.Lighting of the candle represented his memory and that life is so sweet when we keep God in our lives and hope for the day we will see our love ones once again .This was a precious moment more than just one way . A memory and a beginning that can last forever.

Learn more about this author, Margaret Ladner.
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