10 Years Ago Today...

10 years ago today I was still recovering from finishing my last two grad courses in a whirlwind three weeks of summer classes.

10 years ago today I was anxiously waiting to hear if I had gotten my first real job. (I did. It was teaching 3rd grade in Charlottesville, VA.)

10 years ago today I was waiting to walk down the aisle in a lovely blue bridesmaid dress when I looked back at my dad and my sister and started crying.

10 years ago today I watched my twin sister marry the man she loved in a beautiful ceremony in the church where we grew up.

10 years ago today I was on a trolley driving really fast across town while rain beat against the windows and tree branches blew past.

10 years ago today I didn't have B with me to celebrate (he was still in Scotland finishing his graduate work) so I partied with my best friends instead. (Thanks for always being there, Emily and Nicole.)

10 years ago today I got to watch said friends entertain my uncles while drinking martinis and smoking cigars. (I miss you, Ann.)

10 years ago today I listened as a good friend sang "I Go Walking After Midnight" to my sister and her new husband and it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.

10 years ago today I watched my sister and her husband drive off in his big red truck as they went off to their honeymoon in the Poconos and the beginning of their lives together.

10 years ago today I realized that I no longer held the highest position in my sister's heart and that someone else's happiness would always come first when it came time for her to make a decision--and I cried.

10 years ago today my family got a new member and we have been blessed with him and his bear hugs and his great sense of humor ever since.

10 years ago today my sister married the man of her dreams and I am so happy for them both.

Happy 10th Anniversary, Cat and Ron!