Yes...you read it right...I am on the receiving end of a cruel joke played by Cupid's nemesis. Let me explain.
During the past 5 years, I have shared my time between South Africa and the States. And during that time I have missed my three best friend's weddings - each of which I was intended to be a bridesmaid or maid of honor. And with each wedding, it was beyond my control to be there.
For example, just yesterday was the wonderful union between Megan Rodriguez and Michael Buss, a date that had been set for over a year. Yet, come the March before July 23, 2011, we were forced to leave the States due to an expiring visa. My husband and I fully expected to back in time to fulfill our maid of honor and best man duties, as our permanent residency application had been in process well before this time. However, as fate would have it, this did not happen.
And so, the sad pattern continues. When one of my best friends is getting married in South Africa, I am unable to leave the States (being 9 months pregnant for one of them makes travel a little impossible) and when one of my best friends is getting married in the States, we are legally unable to enter the USA.
And so, I am left to be the (literately) hopeless romantic who must be content to look at mere photos of the special days that she has missed.
At least I can say I AM a bride, for to be never a bridesmaid and never a bride would be thoroughly depressing. I take comfort in the fact that I have a wonderful husband who compassionately holds me as I cry through the missed weddings.
Megan and Michael, Elizabeth and Ian, Karen and Ryan - you all are incredible friends and wonderful couples! I wish you a full life of love and happiness together and even though I couldn't be witness to your weddings, I thank my God that I can be witness to your marriages.
