I attended a wedding this weekend, and every reason why I wouldn't attend a wedding came rushing in on me like a rabid linebacker trying to get to the supper table and tossing met bodies to the floor. Just thinking about it now, my face is red and I'm really bothered because of all the people, yet it's just me. It's just me sitting here. The television is on and my dog is nearby. It's divine, really - but then I think about why I am writing.

It want to say it started in the parking lot as we approached the church; that's where it usually starts, but it actually started in the car on the way to the church. I notice my dripping wet palms and attempt a pitiful joke as we pass the House of Triple XXX For Goat Poachers, or whatever that big dark place was. Then, I just blurt it right out: "I almost had a very sick stomach today. Like sick and nauseous and yeah. I came very close to being close to death today. Yeah."

My unthinking mother returns with, "Almost? What does that mean? How do you almost come close to death on a future date, but know that info..." - and I had to jump in, lest I allow a diatribe that could land just about anywhere on a Milton-Bradley Monopoly board. "I thought about cheesing out. I didn't want to go to a wedding. I mean, the Richardsons are nice people and I like them, I just..." - and mother interrupts to say she's surprised I actually didn't get sick today. Little sister jumps in to agree against me, as usual. They think they know me, or something.

So we find the church and park. They're all walking ahead of me as I'm considered the jackass of the family (slow, old and grumpy). My sister's boyfriend takes her hand and reaches for mine with the other one. I am shocked, taken aback, and bewildered. I am also trying with all my might to close myself off to others as much as possible. How dare he be extra nice to me on this awful occasion? I so hope I didn't embarrass him. He's so sweet, sometimes.

Article Author: Ginae B. McDonald

Ms. McDonald has been published in the Taj Mahal Review. She is an avid blogger.

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