My sister and I have not always been close. Luckily, we are closer now than we have ever been, but there was a time when our family couldn't have predicted we'd turn out this way. As most sisters born so close, we've always had a sibling rivalry. I don't know if it's really fair to call it that since it's probably been more one sided - with me on the "mean" sister side, and Kara more on the "I'm desperate to be your friend" side. I'm really not sure if I came out mean or if having a sister when I was so young did the trick, but for whatever reason Kara was not my favorite from the time she showed up.
My mom loves to use the example about when Kara and I were taking a bath together when Kara was still pretty young. Kara would cry and mom would come into the bathroom, but couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. This happened a few times and I played dumb every time pretending not to know why Kara was crying. Mom only found the reason for Kara's mystery cries when she was putting on her pajamas after the bath and noticed the bite marks on her toes. The stories like that can go on and on. My mom even took me to a child psychologist when I was around seven to see why I was so mean. They told her that, in the long run, I'd be okay, but it was Kara they should worry about since I was always stealing the show.
I guess the doctor was right because as a result, Kara was always wanting what I had and she'll tell you this herself. In fact, that was the theme for her rehearsal dinner speech at my wedding. She wanted to be like me, have friends like mine, and do everything I did. For whatever reason, she thought I was pretty cool. She ended up with a "grass is greener" mentality. She's been through many schools, jobs, cities, college majors, and men, but none seemed to be the perfect fit.
At one point, between all these transitions, I remember her telling me: "You know what I'm going to do? I'm gonna meet up with John Walker again and I'm going to marry him." I actually remember thinking to myself, "Well if she does do that, this is perfect rehearsal dinner material, but what are the chances?" I might've been jokingly making mental notes about a rehearsal dinner speech, but I couldn't have been more shocked when they actually met up again. At the time of their reunion, my family and I'm sure John's family, couldn't have been more surprised because, as most of you know, they dated in high school and, as you also know, high school relationships are often filled with drama and passion. Their relationship was no exception.
At one point, between all these transitions, I remember her telling me: "You know what I'm going to do? I'm gonna meet up with John Walker again and I'm going to marry him." I actually remember thinking to myself, "Well if she does do that, this is perfect rehearsal dinner material, but what are the chances?" I might've been jokingly making mental notes about a rehearsal dinner speech, but I couldn't have been more shocked when they actually met up again. At the time of their reunion, my family and I'm sure John's family, couldn't have been more surprised because, as most of you know, they dated in high school and, as you also know, high school relationships are often filled with drama and passion. Their relationship was no exception.
As their wedding day approaches, I'm sure it's weighing heavily on them that our dad only knew their relationship for what it was then and it's a shame that he isn't around to see their relationship now. However, if there is any doubt how our father would have felt about you two being together, I want to put it to rest right now. Your chemistry is undeniable and there it's clear that you were meant for one another. The only thing that fathers really want is for their daughters to be happy. Kara is no longer in search of greener grass, and I know dad would find great comfort in that.
I believe that "everything is unfolding as it should." The way the universe has worked to bring these two together is miraculous and inspiring and when you really think about it, you can see that things were always destined to turn out this way and it's a beautiful thing. I am sure Dad would agree with the rest of the people who love you, that John is "the one." He would raise his glass with the rest of us when we say, "Congratulations!"
