The first dance

For weeks, months even, whenever we went walking, whether it was through the kitchen or around the neighborhood, we would practice our first dance. We danced like nobody's looking. We danced in the rain. We danced like spastics, like Elaine on "Seinfeld." We danced nice, close, cheek to cheek.

Then, when the wedding reception occurred, the 10-foot by 10-foot dance floor got covered up by the punch table. No problem. We had visiting to do. We moved from table to table around the reception hall, trying to greet everyone, give them a smile and a hug, thank them for being there to support us on our big day.

Time flew. The music disappeared into the din of conversation. We cut the cake. We played a trivia game. We chatted. We wished we had more time to spend with each of our guests, but it was just not possible. The clock raced. We breathed deep and tried to slow it down, giving smiles and hugs all around.

Soon it was time to walk through a gantlet of guests showering us with parchment butterflies. We hopped in the Prius with the 91011 license plate and sped away from Athena Christian Church, friend Larry chasing us in his Jeep honking all the way, a one-man escort giving us a proper send-off. We saved the first dance for later. We promised ourselves to dance a first dance every day for the rest of our lives, together, forever.

I LOVE this man!!!!!!!!!!

and I am so excited... and honored to get to marry him tomorrow!!!!

9.10.11 ... here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Butterflies

It's wedding eve. People keep asking, "Are you getting butterflies yet?" We've had butterflies all along. We call them "swallowtail blessings." It might seem weird, but it works for us. Examples include the time we visited the Athena City Park to get an idea of what it might be like to hold a wedding evening family barbecue there. Several swallowtails flitted past. We took that as a good sign that it would all work out and be a fun day. You see, Teri's mom, Helen, loved swallowtail butterflies. When Helen died of leukemia in 2003, Teri took the butterflies with her to give her courage and strength in difficult times.

Now the butterflies give both of us signs that we are doing the right thing. For example, just as I began the climb up 10,945-foot Beartooth Pass in Montana this July by bicycle, I was visited by a swallowtail. The trip -- this huge challenge -- was the right thing to do. Helen was giving her blessing.

If -- when -- we get butterflies at the wedding tomorrow, 9-10-11, it will be a good thing. It will mean Helen is there giving us her blessing.