Our 20th Wedding Anniversary

Out comes the tar bucket, some shingles and nails.
All over the floor we have odd pots and pails.
Dear God, we’re all praying, don’t make it our fate,
That it still will be pouring on July twenty-eight.
The reception, you see, will be held at the lake.
So a nice sunny day all the difference will make.

Well, we’re down to the wire; Things are pretty well set.
Can we say we’re all ready? Oh Good Lord, not yet!
It’s July twenty-seventh and what do you know?!
It’s not only raining, there’s a terrible blow.
There are windows blown in! The roof is still leaking!
Decorations are soaked. Everybody is shrieking!
We’re mopping – we’re sopping, we’re all feeling blue.
If it’s like this tomorrow GOD! what will we do?

Tonight’s the rehearsal. After that there’s a dinner.
If this just can run smoothly it will sure be a winner.
The Reverend O’Brien who’s so hopeful he’ll please;
With his charm and good humor, soon had all well at ease.
Having him do the service filled us all with delight.
He’s our friend, well as Pastor; he made everything right.

Now the big day is here, everyone’s in a sweat.
What should I remember? What did I forget?
It’s a beautiful day with bright sunny skies.
We all thanked the Lord for this lovely surprise.

Where are we getting dressed? Where are we taking showers?
Will the church doors be open for the placing of flowers?
The men stay at camp while the girls go in town;
To get their hair braided; to put on each gown.
Everyone seems quite calm for some reason or other;
But guess who fouls up? You’re right – the bride’s mother!

The wedding’s at two; she’s got less than an hour.
To steam out a few wrinkles, hangs her dress o’er the shower.
She’s combing her hair; gives her face a quick scrub.
Turns around and “Oh Damn It” her skirt’s in the tub.
Yes, the shower is running, the skirt’s more than damp.
It’s just soaking wet and the iron’s at camp.
Now what will you do?, everybody is crying,
As she plugged in the gadget that’s used for hair drying.
She ran to the neighbors, got an iron and board.
Her niece pressed the dress. All is well, Praise the Lord.

We arrived at the church just a few minutes late;
From then on we’re dealt such a glorious fate.
At the front of the church stood the groom and best man.
After seating of mother the procession began.

This heart tugging sight was a joy to behold.
First came little Katie, her hair like spun gold.
She looked oh so sweet, like an angel from heaven,
Seeming oh so grown up, though she’s only eleven.

The bride’s sister came next, being her maid of honor;
In a beautiful dress that looked wonderful on her.
She’s a real pretty girl, with a dazzling smile;
Which just lit up the church as she came down the aisle.

Now comes the hard part, not too easy to mention;
As the music grows louder to get our attention.
At the back of the church, an emotional sight;
Of a very proud dad with the bride on his right.
There is such joy and sadness on this wedding day;
When a dad who so loves her, gives his daughter away!
But he has to remember when all’s said and done.
He’s not losing a daughter, he’s gaining a son!

After giving the hand of the bride to the groom;
When dad took his seat, a hush filled the room.
There wasn’t a doubt that the couple was nervous;
They practically whispered the words of the service.
Yet the vows were repeated. Ring exchanges were made.
The groom kissed the bride. The recessional played.
Of the wedding itself there’s not much to tell.
But I think you should know Brent rang the church bell.

A receiving line followed. In the heat it was strife.
While everyone greeted the new husband and wife.
The wedding was lovely; There was no mistake.
After taking of pictures, all returned to the lake.

The reception went perfect, lots of food – lots of beer.
Everyone seemed to be full of fun and good cheer.
Best man gave a toast to the new bride and groom.
After cutting the cake all guests left the room.
Twas time for the traditional tossing bouquet.
Taking, tossing of garter that traditional way.
Becca Welsh caught the flowers; then we all had to beg
To get Scott with the garter even near Becca’s leg.

Well, traditions are over. You’ve been given the facts.
Time for drinking and eating, it was time to relax,
There was plenty to eat. There was plenty of booze.
Some people sat talking. Some went for a snooze.