[This is a true story]
So many things in your life change. Things and people come and go. There are so few solid, dependable comforts these days. No monuments to take comfort in. Hell even the world is changing in nature as well as society. My life is usually in disarray but I personally have a marker, solid and stable in the chaos of daily life. This story comes to you on the eve of my 5 year anniversary of my wife leaving. She left for someone else's love on June 16, 2006. It's been a long journey for me and my son. Don't get me wrong I liked being married which is why I will share with you this tale of my father.
My Father first and foremost is a Marine. Down to his blood and underwear. Once a year on Nov 10th I buy him a birthday cake for the Marine Corps birthday. Secondly he was a Force Recon Marine. Lets be honest, it made my life easy when I went to the Army, I was ready for basic cause I lived in it. Lastly My father was a Police officer. My Dad was obviously set in his ways. A combat veteran, Special ops and well a Father, he made life interesting or at least uncomfortable. Above all Dad is a true "Damn you! I'm doing it my way!". He never waivered or faltered in his personality to suit you or anyone else. From Field days of cleaning the house with tooth brushes to mowing the lawn without cutting implements, and yes marching uphill, yes both ways to school cause only sissies walk up hill one way. He is the perfect monument.
My wedding day was greeted with the second largest power outtage in my state's history. Ok, so God does try to send signs but hey I was in love. To top it off the preacher we had booked did not show up. I remember sitting in the parking lot trying to think and all these people were walking up to me to tell me Shelly was cryin, like I didn't know. I believe Omar yelled at me to go see her despite the "curse" of seeing her in her dress before the wedding. Well long story short we got another preacher to set us up. to be honest I dont remember where my Dad was at this point.
We Finally got it together and before you knew it we had a chapel, a preacher and even an audience. I remember standing there in my tux by the alter, looking at the guests and bantering back and forth. Suddenly the wedding march began to play. Panic began to seep in every fiber of my being! I felt like yelling "Wait!!!Five more minutes!!" like 5 minutes would change anything. The doors opened and in walked my Bride, escorted by my Father. The panic Subsided but was still present as the marched step at a time down the asile.
Dad escorted Shelly to the preacher and presented to her. The preacher smiling took Shellys hand and asked " Who is this that brings this bride before me?" and my Father Replied " I do.". This by the looks of the preacher it caught him off guard as he probably was not prepared for this. The preacher being a good sport tried again thinking that maybe Dad just didnt understand the question. " who brings this lovely woman before us to be married?" to which my Dad replied once again " I do.". The preacher slightly better prepared ducked this and asked once again " Who are you that Brings the bride before us?" and My father in a voice that only a elite Marine Corps Drill Instructor could, yelled " ME!!!". The preacher reeled like a brand new private at the booming voice of my father and immediately conceded then he proceded with the ceremony.
I stood on my spot watching my Father standing there with the woman I loved enough to marry. He stood there badge, gun, handcuffs and all looking at the preacher. It was then that I knew my Father would never change. A smile came to my face and the rest they say is history.
I mentioned earlier that things change and I for one can testify to this. My father is still a beacon in my life. He is proof that people come and go, times change but you don't have to change. He stands his line alone but he dosent mind company from time to time.
When we were all children Dad and an X-uncle would have us bless Chesty Puller "where ever he may be". I believe my wedding day was Chesty's day off and my Dad, like a good Marine steped up to shoulder the load.
-B
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