an ode for august fourth

my emily is getting married today.

and i'm not there.

going to the theater

i'm an honorary bridesmaid.

but i'm not there.

san fran

i love our friendship journey.  we lived together for four years.
and then i broke us up because i decided i should move to the other side of the world.
but she would have broken us up anyway because she decided to get married.

cruising

we both grew so much.  i loved watching God work in her life, continually forming her into the strong, godly, confident woman that she is today.
and God has used her so much in my life to challenge me, love me,
and shape me into who i am today.

nye

and braves games... who else would have gone to that many games with me?
we love doing the chop.

braves game

i couldn't imagine my life without her.

and now she's marrying jeffrey beach.  jeff and emily.  what a lovely pair.  i am so thankful that i got to be there for the beginnings of this love.  i got to experience so many of the emotions with emily... through celebrations, tears, laughter.

true, i can't believe that i chose to leave knowing that i would miss this beautiful event.  but i did.
and it breaks my heart not to be there.

another braves game

emily gail vied, i love you so much.  and i'm so happy for you right now.
i do wish that i could stand up by your side today.
know that i'm thinking of you, praying for you, and telling all my new friends all about you.

beach fam

enjoy today to the fullest.

drink in every moment.

don't count on the photos to capture all the memories.

and love fearlessly for the rest of your life.

happy wedding day
happy birthday!