BECAUSE THE BABY IS NOW A LADY!

Marianne and Vincent Cabalbag.....





The Bride About to Get Dressed.....








With Mom Helping Her Out.....





With the Rest of Her Relatives.....






It was kinda weird! My niece, Marianne, called me up one time at home to tell me that she was getting married to her boyfriend of so many years (they have been together since their junior or senior year in high school), Vincent. And that she actually prepared everything under her parents' noses in extreme secrecy! Way to go Ian! But that shows just how much my niece has grown over the years. And I am pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

I haven't seen much of her for sometime, simply because she pursued her medical degree, which she actually finished and I was busy with my own career. But she previously finished a degree in Pharmacy as a premedical course. What she actually lacks is to pass the medical board exams which are on hold at the moment, in favor of marital bliss. The last time I actually saw her was when we accompanied my cousin who happens to be my niece's first degree aunt, to the airport for my cousin's trip to Los Angeles. I can't remember any recent encounter.

And what were the chances that my niece scheduled the day of her wedding on the exact same day that one of my best friends in PGH scheduled hers too? I promised Lani as early as a year ago that I shall attend her wedding with Lian but because of Marianne's date, I had to ask my friend for her forgiveness. I can't possibly attend both weddings. Initially, I told Marianne beforehand that I shall not be going to hers since the invitation for my family is for 2 people only. That meant my father and my brother were the ones who were going. But my niece begged me to go; she even spoke to her wedding coordinator to give my family an extra seat for me at the reception which was guaranteed. So how can I ignore that?

As I watched the events unfold during the day, it made me somewhat misty. Her wedding eventually became a time for us, her aunts and uncles to see each other in a joyous time and just enjoy each other's company, even when most of us have reached our 40s when it comes to age. And it also made us cherish each other even more as we now have lost four cousins from our generation due to various illnesses and accidents. Even my Aunt Veron, who rarely mingles with us, her relatives due to her numerous teaching positions in 5 colleges in the field of medicine, was game at that time; enjoying the occasion as well, going as far as dancing with us, her nieces and nephews. Too bad three of my niece's father's siblings were not around, being based in the US, they missed the fun that we had!

I shall miss this day. One of those events that shall be stored in my consciousness for a long time. As much as a lot of flak was received by my niece for her decision, I do thank her for giving us, her immediate relatives, an avenue to enjoy ourselves and just be kids once again. Eventually, I know her parents will come around. Marianne just has to understand that whatever apprehensions that her parents have about her decision to get married is a normal reaction of expressing their love for her. They only want the best for her. And so do I! God bless you Marian and Vincent in your married life.