This is my last wedding post. 

And it’s a long one. 

As I’e previously mentioned, this blog is my memory box.

One day I will print the whole thing out and make it into a memory book.

Then leave it in my will for my poor unsuspecting kids. 

But readers (and future me), there are some good reasons I wanted to write the last few blogs.

I’m now in rehab.

I’ve been there before.

During this session I have been reminding myself that some people only have one arm.

For good.

I only have one arm for a short time.

It’s good to be reminded that I normally enjoy really good health.

And when I am old and grey……

Oh wait…..ok….

When I get older and greyer, I want to remind myself that I’ve done this before and I can do it again.

Plus, I want to remember every special moment of our wedding and the days before and after.

Some of the most special times of our lives.

How often in our lifetime are we going to be lucky enough to have nearly all the people we love in the whole world, right there, with us?

I also wanted to give some sort of explanation to our wedding guests as to why I wasn’t really present on the day. 

With the full knowledge that no one at that wedding would want or expect that, or even believe I need too. They truly are an awesome group of people.

But I believe I need too.

And when you believe in something you have to stay firm to it. 

So, if only one of our guests reads this or some of the last few blogs, that one guest who was maybe wondering what the hell was going on with me, and then has some understanding? Well that makes me feel better. As you know it’s all about moi.

Don’t worry friends, this knowledge of mine that I dropped the ball hasn’t changed my love and enjoyment of our wedding. 

I just wanted to get it out there. My apology.

That’s all. 

And now, lets go back to that amazing wedding day.

Firstly though I want you to bear with me, so I can acknowledge a few people whom I probably haven’t mentioned in the previous blogs. Or maybe I have. I never claimed to have a good memory. I really must start doing those brain exercises Astella keeps telling me are good for me.

Anyho! (I do love that word).

Our celebrant Sharon whom I work with in town. A spectacular funny, kind, considerate human being. We loved her contributions and her ceremony. Sharon who made our ceremony that much more fun.

Our friends and family who traveled from the USA and Australia.

Some coming for just a few days, some for longer.

But all, who could have used that holiday time and that money to visit family or friends in other states of their own countries, chose to come to us.

We were shocked about how many acceptances we had. We just didn’t expect it. 

It was such a big expensive ask of our guests.

That, my friends was a true gift.

To those who came all the way out to Akaroa from Chch just for the ceremony.

To those NZ’ers who travelled either by plane or car to get there. Some driving anything up to 8 hours.

Taking time off work.

Bless you, also a true gift.

To my inner circle and my new sister in law Lori who looked after me. Both before and after the wedding.

When any of them were with me, they took over, looking after all my (many) needs – making sure I felt loved and protected and I wasn’t doing anything to further exacerbate my injuries. 

To my medical friends, who took me aside during the reception, leaving their meals to go cold to spend 1/2 hour getting me right. 

To MoD who had the most amazing day with the brightest and happiest smile on his face. Every time I look at the photos of him I smile and maybe shed a little tear.

MoD who still attended to my every need while making the most of every moment.

I’ve said this before, this man really does make the darkest nights into the brightest days. 

To Mitch, who on the day drove me to the hairdresser quite early. I had booked the salon out for the morning to do my hair and makeup, and included the women who are our closest, nearest and dearest. 

To Jaime and Tewh who were able to drop everything and quietly sort out an issue which arose that morning with the nine scheduled in at the hairdresser.  Just so timings would continue to flow without a hitch. They told me about it later. 

To Lynda who picked me up to drive me out to Akaroa, making sure I was medicated, fed and hydrated. 

(At the time I chose to go light on the meds in favour of potential champagne. Probably not a good idea in hindsight. Ain’t hindsight the most amazing thing 😜).

My hairdresser Teagan, who just knew what would look good for me, and Amber who also made me look pretty ok with the make up she chose.

Teagan was getting married the week after and we had both discussed the whole notion of making sure we ate and sufficiently hydrated ourselves on the day. Turns out the day of her wedding she didn’t feel up to scratch and next day tested positive. 

We had a lot of ‘oh well’s’ to say when we saw each other next. 

To Kath (and Noel) charged with picking up the wedding dress and ironing it, if needed. Poor Kath. Being my bestie doesn’t come without commitment and dedication you know. She was definitely up to the task. 

To Gaz, Adam, Greg, Julie and Julie, charged with organising and purchasing the food for the next day breakfast bbq. To Gaz, Adam and Greg for cooking it, and Herrie who chipped in to help as well. It was yummdiddlyumcious.

The bbq we forgot to tell a lot of our guests to come back too!

Oh well. 

To my boys and MoD charged with finishing setting up the outdoor ceremony area. 

As per my run sheet. 😜

So many people to thank, probably missed some but you know I love ‘yous all’. 

That’s an Australianism…

Back to the wedding.  

After picking me up from the hairdresser and driving me to Akaroa, Lynda and I arrived in good time and I headed up to one of the cabins to wait with my kids. 

Such a special time having us all together.

These are the times that mean the most to me and always will.

Yes I’ve said that before and will say it again.

I had a glass of champagne, my only drink for the day, which seems ridiculous. If I had of been more up to it, maybe a little alcohol might have helped that pain level! 

Oh well.

From our vantage point, the cabin overlooked the ceremony area and we were able to watch all our guests arrive which was really special. 

Although we kept seeing two people lurking through the trees……what? 

Tina and Duncan taking sneaky (and absolutely fabulous) photos of us. 

I duly got dressed into wedding attire, including a little something really special.

Some 61 years prior, my mother had made a blue garter for my Aunty to wear for her wedding. Aunty Lyn had sent that across the ‘deetch’ for me to wear. 

So a piece of my mum, my aunty and my family history I carried with me. 

Frocked up and ready in good time, I looked out the window and asked why our guests were still sitting on the decking. Clearly having their own paaarrrtteeeee.

We hadn’t of course asked anyone to assemble the guests.

Once that was sorted I looked out again and asked why MoD and his daughters were waiting.

We hadn’t of course organised that properly.

So, the bride was probably ten minutes late.

Of which I take not TOO much responsibility for. 😜

As you know from my previous story the wedding went off pretty damn nicely.

Thank you very much.

So now I am back to standouts and thankyou’s. 

I am all over the place aren’t I! 

As previously mentioned, our MC Smithy  – aka Michelle. 

We couldn’t have asked for anyone better to bring everything together and make the day so special.

We are profoundly grateful and humbled by this gift she has given us.

Our wedding photographers, who were actually our guests, Tina and Duncan.

I don’t think anyone realised they were supposed to be there as guests and that alone. 

The amazing speech and stories from Doug. MoD met Doug when he arrived in NZ about 26 years ago and I have known him and Annabel for about 8 years. We get to spend some fabulous fun holidays together even though they live about 7 hours away. Family now. And stuck with me for better or for worse.

Don’t roll your eyes Dougie. 

Dave, with an impromptu speech. MoD’s old boss and probably one of his longest serving friends. A lovely speech and a really nice thing to do Dave.

My kids, and the speech from my middle son Tim, on behalf of his brothers and their three beautiful women. 

The speech was apparently written the night before with input from the six of them.

I was completely blown away. 

I remember one of the most profound parenting lessons I learnt was that, even though my children had lived with me all their lives, they didn’t think like me.

They thought like themselves.

Sounds weird I know but if you really think about it…….

Sometimes you don’t know if your kids get you.

This speech pretty well indicates that actually, yes, they do. 

It incorporates all the important elements of inclusion, family and friends that I value above all else and recognises and acknowledges the beautiful soul that MoD is. 

There’s a little bit of their wacky ‘uma thrown in as well. 

On the night, when Tim had delivered the speech, I don’t think I really conveyed to any of them how much it meant to me. 

I am posting it here.  

So I will never forget it. 

The Speech

Fornication 

Sorry I’m  a little nervous.   

For an occasion 

such as this

I would like to thank you all for being here to support Mum and (MoD) on this special day. 

On behalf of all of the table, I’m sorry (MoD)and mum were a bit late. I told (MoD) not to try the dress on but he wouldn’t listen. 

Mum, you did it, you finally bagged a good one. 

As those that know our mum, her story has been a complex and a difficult journey. But no matter what her life has thrown at her, her resilience and strength has got her, and us, to where we all are today. No matter the challenges in her life mum has, and always will, put everyone first. Well not today, this is your day and we love you and are proud of you mum! No doubt your mother and father, whom I never met, are extremely proud of all that you have achieved and all you will achieve!

Cheers to mum! 

(Mod), well to say you also did it is an understatement, you bagged a bloody good one along with 7 absolute legends. So here’s to us legends!

Over the past 10 years you have been a source of strength and constant positivity for all of us. Your generosity is unrelenting and how you have embraced Finn as your own shows how exceptional you are. 

Even your medium rare chicken and terrible driving is appreciated. Mr Magoo, we love you too!

I’d also like to take the time to officially welcome, Tarryn, Shelbie and Darren into our family. Over the past almost decade of course you have been a part of the family but today it’s official! 

One last cheers to many happy years to come for us all and especially to Mum and our new Dad!

That’s all about the wedding folks. Thanks for bearing with me, I’ve enjoyed re-living it ❤️