The pictures, I realize, aren't that great. I don't have a scanner, so I took pictures of pictures. This was an afternoon, somewhat informal wedding. My bridesmaids wore matching (but different colored) pastel floor length sundresses. My mom made the dress I'm wearing. I still have it hanging in my closet. 
This is me and my mom. Wasn't she gorgeous? And thin! I have never been that thin in my life. I think she probably weighed about 100 pounds. She's struggling with her weight these days (she's in her 70's now), but I believe it's because of all the cortizone shots she's had in the past couple of years.
I found this stuck in the back of our wedding album, taken at a fair or carnival, I believe. I realize some may look at my post today and feel pity for me. Please don't. Yes, twenty-three years ago I was devastated, as were my family and John's, but time and the compassionate presence of God in my life have removed all the hurt. I am now blessed with a godly husband, and we'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary next year. Today, I just felt like honoring the memory of my late, but dear husband John.
And the two shall become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh.
What therefore God has united (joined together), let not man separate or divide.~Mark 10:8-9
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41 comments:
Photographs are priceless, and sadly, many people do not take the time to capture memories anymore. Digital cameras are wonderful and convenient, but nothing can compare to actually holding the photos or an album full of photos in your hand.
Seeing your special photos has inspired me to relive some of my memories captured on film.
This is a wonderful post. It sounds like God has really blessed you (more than once). Thanks so much for the sweet comment on my blog. Thanks for taking the time to listen to the song.
What a beautiful post. You are truly blessed to have had two wonderful men to love and to love you. It's not the quantity of time that counts but the quality. Vickie
Indeed the two of you do look like you're having fun. Thank you for sharing such a special time with us.
(((hugs)))
I love this post, Renna. What sweet memories that you hold in your heart. I am feeling a little teary eyed over the fact that God blessed you twice! Awesome!
I also LOVE seeing a picture of you. Now I can imagine what you look like! A recent photo would be fabulous! :)
I always forget that we share the same anniversary....I'm very glad you shared your pictures. I'm very touched to peek into the window of that time of your life.
Thank you for sharing such an personal part of your life.
Renna, thank you for sharing your memories.
Beautiful Renna-yes, you are. I just loved the photos, the sweetness of it all.
Love, Debra
What a beautiful tribute to a loving husband and father. It's good to know the hurt is gone and only happy memories remain.
FINALLY I get to see your beautiful face!!!! I actually wasn't too far off in my "mind's picture" of you. You look so sweet and innocent, and with all of life ahead of you. I am so touched by your post, as I have some of those same kind of pictures of my late husband. I am SO glad you shared this special day with us.I'm also glad the Lord brought someone so special into your life to take you on into these present years. Life is so much sweeter shared.
Renna, my dog harnesses are no longer made because they were a "knock off" of puppia harnesses and they were sued for copyright. Puppia (if I am spelling right) are available at many online specialty retailers. They are very soft and work well for small dogs. Someone said they were developed for pugs who have bigger necks than heads, LOL. I don't recall which site I ordered them from but I sure you can google Puppia.
I am so happy for you, that you had your John. What a beautiful post. What a blessing.
My goodness, you are T H E cutest thing, and I can't believe your mom made your dress - I love it.
Thanks for sharing all these photos and memories!
I don't pity you-I think its wonderful that you can celebrate a great time in your life that did have a sad ending. You and your Mom are both georgeous!
Hi my sistah!!
You touched my heart with this post, 7 years beautiful years, you both do look so happy and I can see the love radiate not only in your faces but in your beautiful smiles. You have such a sweet spirit as well. Thank you for sharing these special photos and memories with us. You leave a great reminder that tomorrow is not promised to anyone and we should cherish those we love and make as many special memories together.
luv ya sis.. Hugz Lorie
What a wonderful and beautiful post.
Such wonderful memories.
I was really touched with your post. I did not feel pity, I just thought it was wonderful that you have your memories and take the time to look at your pictures and remember someone you loved so much!
Juri
What a lovely tribute to someone who was obviously very special to you.
Wonderful post, that you honor the husband you have now, but also show respect for your first, the place he had in your life.
Renna, I teared up a little as I read this. I just celebrated my seventh anniversary this year. It's obvious that you two loved each other very much,and I think this post is beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
The Lord has done great and mighty things in your life!
How precious to see these photos and read your meaningful memories. What a wonderful tribute to your first husband. BTW, when I saw the first pic I thought, "That looks just like Nikki!"
I think photographing the pics worked pretty well. Who needs a scanner?
Bless you Renna. I'm happy you and John were able to create great memories if only for a short time.
Happy Anniversery!!! The pictures are wonderful. Not many marriages last one year now days. We have been married 26 1/2 (-: Congratulations on your milestone!!!
Well, how did I miss this in my reader? I love the photos and the memories. I know how hurt you were back then, but I also know the joy that's in your life now.
Your smile and Nikki's look alike to me!
Poignant is the word for your post I think. Beautiful pictures of beautiful memories.
Thank you for sharing such a touching post. It is nice to look into a window of your past that you are sharing with us, honoring the memory of your late husband on your anniversary.
Ahhhhh, just as lovely as you are NOW, Lady! Time marches on for all of us, but your beauty has NEVER diminished, Wrenna Gale. :) You're one of the most beautiful people I know.
Love You Girl!!
No, I totally understand. We are made up of a lifetime of moments, and people coming and going in our lives. Why shouldn't we remember that? And honor them? I think it is only right that we do that, or they get forgotten in the quick flight of time. Good for you for honoring that!
Brenda
Thank you so much for sharing those photos.They are wonderful. Jen R
What a beauty you are! Love your wedding photos...you are truly beautiful.
Your mom looks to be only a few years older than you in that picture...wow!
Glad you have such wonderful memories of John.
Glad you now will be celebrating 20 years with the man God has blessed you with...continue on and be blessed.
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
Renna - thanks for this wonderful trip down memory lane. It's such a blessing to have fond memories to hold on to and share with others. *HUGS* BTW - you don't just look happy, you look RADIANT!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories and photos.
What wonderful photos. Your love for your first husband, in no way dimishes your love for your second husband. There is a never ending supply of love to give. The way we honor our loved ones who pass on, is by remembering them.
What a bittersweet post, Renna... but you were (are) beautiful!!!
I know that picture was taken a long time ago, but you're just as gorgeous as I pictured you in my mind!!
You and your mom are both beautiful! I've been reading your blog for a while, and I love the scripture verses that you put at the end of your posts. I appreciate your sharing - I'm still waiting for my 'prince charming', and I think it's wonderful that God has sent you two!
Blessings,
~Sarah
I haven't had time to respond to each comment left on this post, but I have read each one. I cannot begin to express how blessed I've been by them! You guys really know how to make a girl feel good!
Beautiful remembrance post. Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life here on your blog.
No wonder your dd is so beautiful. Y'all are!
Blessings,
~Toni~
What a beautiful post. Grief is an interesting journey. I'm glad God has blessed you with another wonderful husband. I enjoyed your pictures and the honor you gave John.
What a beautiful bride you are, Renna! I can feel your joy through your photos. How precious that you hold your husband dear and honor him with this tribute! How touching.
Hugs,
Lea
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