It's about the kids

The question of the week has been, “How do you feel about it?” It’s usually rhetorical and followed by, “You must be excited.”

The subject is the first marriage of an offspring, which occurs this coming weekend. “Excited” does describe it but, as with most parenting matters, there’s some apprehension. You want the best for your kids and you’re never 100% certain.

As it nears, I find myself reviewing the development. They’ve known each other for years, so it’s not impulsive. He discussed the possibility of this with me several times along the way, so he thought it out. They’re both great people. They’ve been living together, so there should be no surprises. Looking way back, did I envision a time when I’d be happy that one of the children was living with someone?

Up until now, I haven’t been anxious because it’s about them, not me. But, as the event nears, it’s running through my mind.

It doesn’t help that those around me are amping up. My ex calls every few days, double checking about this or that. My former brother-in-law and his ex will both be there with their respective new spouses, something that didn’t even occur with their own son’s wedding because of the associated tension. And my date has been fretting about finding that “killer dress” for months.

Relax. It’s about the kids, not us. Yeah, that’ll happen.

I’m looking forward to it, but will be glad when it’s over.