Life

I'm supposed to be compiling a grocery list for the week, but instead, I want to write.

(Lucky you.)

About a month into my relationship with him, I learned about his father.

"Tell me about your dad," I said.

He hung his head in sorrow and I already knew.

"He's gone, he died."

My whole body froze up like ice. As much as I tried, I just couldn't empathize his pain. How could I?

He lost a parent.

But something - something told me I would be the one to help shoulder his grief. It was very obvious he still ached from the loss.

And so I cautiously pursued this conversation, slowly learning how special his father was.

For example, Fiancee's contagious laughter. It is a carbon copy of his father's. Or Fiancee's knack for Jeopardy...apparently his dad was a genius when it came to trivia, too.

Little by little, I also learned his dad suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. A vicious disease that attacks the nervous system. And there is no cure. Yet.

It brings tears to my eyes knowing his father won't be with us on our wedding day.

But I'm hoping one small tribute will fill the room with fond stories, laughter and happiness - all in memory of this special man we both call "Dad."

So in lieu of wedding favors, we will make a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

I'm still figuring out how we'll tell our guests...

Like, should we leave a note on each table, or put up a photo of his dad, or make an announcement??

Please share your ideas. I'd love to know about the special wedding day tributes you've experienced.