The wedding day is supposed to be a day filled with anticipation, excitement, the bride adorned in her white gown and dreams full of promise about a future together. You are ready to make the ultimate pledge of love and devotion. You have been prancing for weeks saying what will be your last name. You are anxiously awaiting the moment when he will call you his wife. But little did you know that fate had a cruel twist in store for you 7 days before the fateful day.
As the days ticked by, the bride’s anticipation turned into worry. Why had he turned into a ghost? Where was he? I tried calling his mom’s house (where he was staying) – no one knew where he was. My family became concerned. They wondered what had something happened to him. It was unlike him to not come around, since he was always there since 6th grade–childhood sweethearts. Where could he be on such an important week? Doubts swelled in my mind as I glanced nervously out the window at my mom’s house–I had put the proverbial cart before the horse. I was 2 months pregnant. I was going to surprise him with the news at the reception. Now, he was nowhere to be found and my baby would be fatherless. I cried.
Here we are a week, 7 days before the wedding. My family, friends, bridesmaids and potential guests exchanged concerned glances with whispers of unease floating through the air as they visited my mom’s house. What could have happened? Wait! This can’t be happening. He is 21 and I was 19 years old; we are supposed to be getting married. We are going to be a mom and dad and start a future with good fortune 500 jobs. What happened?
Meanwhile, my heart was pounding in my chest as I was greeted by his friend and best man 4 days before the wedding. The best man would not tell me where he was, but he did have a message from him for me. “I love you, but I am too young. I am not ready to be married. I was only fooling myself. I am not financially secure. I couldn’t bring myself to tell you these things.” I let out a scream–the burden was too much to bear.
Rage and fear consumed me, overshadowing the love I once felt for him turned to hate as I began to cancel the church and vendors through blood-shot eyes and a tear stained face. The moment was especially bitter when I had to hang my custom made wedding gown in the closet. The groom had shattered two families and filled me with embarrassment as I had to tell everyone the wedding was off. In 7 days, I went from 19 years old to feeling and looking like an 80 year old woman.I turned the situation on myself. Even though I was pregnant–I FELT INADEQUATE.
I was blindsided, didn’t see it coming, and left with a heart full of sorrow. The dreams I had nurtured for years and tucked in a Hope Chest were shattered in an instant. The love that was supposed to bind us together had turned into a painful reminder of what could have been. The wedding day that was meant to be filled with joy and celebration became a symbol of heartbreak and betrayal.
I saw him years later in passing– abandoned and broken. During the years, I rose above the pain, raised my daughter, and rebuilt my life– but still bore scars from the experience.
Beware: It has happened to many, including me — it could happen to you too!
Published by gabby: www.mrsruthsbrides.com
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