A wedding! And what a day it was. My beautiful daughter Siobhan married the love of her life  Adam ,in Warwick in the most historic setting imaginable, and we all shared in her joy.Theres no doubt that over the next few weeks `I will be reflecting on all of the details, but right now I am simply exhausted! 

The thing about weddings, especially this one which was such a delightful occasion ,is that it focuses you on the things that really matter. Relationships and connections, family, and true friends, and especially Love! 

It was, for me,  a time to meet up with people not seen for ages, make new acquaintances and friends, find out more about the person my daughter has chosen to spend the rest of her life with, from his family,his friends,  their memories of his growing up, and his speech!

It was a time to look around and see so many people who have been important in her life, and have made such an effort to travel to share her day. A testament to both of them that people travelled from all parts of the World to be there. 

It was a time to hear  things that I didn't know about her from people in other parts of her life, and be proud of their high regard and love for her.

It was a time to hope that relationships that have been difficult might be healed, that any enmity might be resolved.

It was time to be thankful, that I am alive to see this day and witness such happiness, that I was not drunk or sick all over the place, that I woke today and remembered it all!

It was a time to be sad about those who were not there, Siobhan's beloved godfather Peter, (my sponsor) who was so proud of her, and her delightful brother Nick who adored her.

It was time to renew my resolve in relationships  that I need to work on, and remember the feelings I have today, rather than allow that to get lost in the maelstrom of my  busy life. 

It was a time to remember with gratitude my recovery, my survival, and those who have played a part in that, be grateful to be able to be there for my daughter on this, her special day.

It was a time to make good promises I have made, to keep my focus on the things that really are important.

It was a time of absolute gratitude for all of these reminders and  the opportunity to garner some more strength from the celebration of Love and commitment and transform them into more good.

It is a time to give thanks, to my daughter, to my other children, my husband, my friends and everyone who played their part so beautifully , and gave us all a day to remember!