Our refrigerator has been covered with wedding announcements for most of the summer. The majority of those invitations have been friends of Haley's. She has been a part of the weddings of two of her best friends.
There have been a range of emotions surrounding the two events. There have been tears of joy and painful concerns. But, most of all, there have been moments of quiet acceptance and loving support.
It has been fun to be involved in all the excitement of planning and preparing, followed by the excitement of executing and sharing. I think Haley has learned by experience just what she wants her future wedding to be. I know when it happens that all the right things will be in place.
I have teased her that she has started her collection of "21 Dresses." I have even made comments like, "always the bride's maid and never the bride." What I have not told her is that I am so proud of the path that her life is taking.
I remember being her age. I recall watching friends get married by the dozens. I am sure that, on occasion, I wondered if there was something wrong with me. I always dated. I never was interested in getting married when I was young. I wanted to get an education and have a career. I wasn't anxious to have babies or raise a family.
Haley is an amazing person. She has talents and abilities that you only get to see if you know her very well. I watched her at one of Kalinee's soccer games the other day. Mind you, I have known Haley her entire life, and still she surprises me. She was casually lying on the grass just watching the game when the two children of Kalinee's coach came running by. Watching Haley engage children is like magic. She doesn't even have to try - they instantly LOVE her.
Within seconds, the little girl was lying on the blanket mimicking Haley's every move, whispering secrets in her ear, and conversing with her like a long-time friend. The little boy was energetically vying for Haley's attention. "Take a picture of me." "Let's jump together." " Put this doggie on your head."
The greatest thing about watching Haley right now is seeing how many things she wants to experience in life. She wants to go to Italy. She is dying to return to Africa. She is considering going back east and even talks about internships and work opportunities. There are so many options in life. One day, the most important option will be to get married.
Right now, however, she is having a great time. A new student at the University of Utah, a wild member of the MUSS, an involved sorority sister and a loyal friend and confidant, Haley is certainly making the most of her single years.
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