You know those friends that mean a lot to you, but the likelihood of you making it to the "bridesmaid department" is slim? Such was the case with my good friend Sara. For years we were co-counselors at summer camp together; we had some great laughs, and she definitely saw me through some tough times (read: girl in late teens being overly-dramatic about boys and life). So back in 2003 when chatting about being "grown-ups" and dreaming about the future, I jokingly (but seriously all the while) told Sara that I would like to be a flower girl in her wedding. She laughed and accepted, and that was that.
I should add that Sara is a lesbian.
I mean think about it: how many people can say they were a flower girl in a lesbian wedding? Even at the ripe age of 19, I knew that would elevate my cool status a notch. But let's be real ... I didn't put my money on this actually happening. Regardless, the years went by, and it was always the #1 item on my bucket list. Granted, I hadn't taken much time to add anything else to the list, but there it was. Ready for the conquering.
Flash forward to 2009, when I receive a text from Sara announcing that her girlfriend proposed to her during a romantic getaway in the mountains. She's getting into the exciting bride-to-be details, recounting the heart-melting tale, when all I can think is "OMG. OMG. OMG. FLOWER GIRL. FLOWER GIRL. FLOWER GIRL." Clearly, I oh-so-casually give her a friendly reminder of our old pact, once again joking but totally serious. She asks if I would wear a frilly pink dress and walk down the aisle on my knees to better fit the typical age/height requirements; I tell her I would crab walk and/or do the worm in a clown suit...whatever it takes. Sara and her fiancée appreciate my enthusiasm and lovingly agree to the deal.
I learned a few months later that Sara's engagement is postponed since her fiance's grandmother has sadly fallen ill. Just like the crying baby at a wedding ceremony, I could see my dream being quietly rushed out the door.
Luckily, I love me some lesbian friends. Soon thereafter my other gay friend Jess got engaged, knew of my flower girl ambitions and hired me for the role. The big day was July 4, and how fitting: I had achieved my own little version of the American Dream. Work hard enough, and you can accomplish anything in this glorious country. Clearly I dominated the given position; my dress matched her color scheme, and I threw rose petals in all of the places that the other two flower girls (who were a good two feet shorter and numerous years younger than me) missed. It was a good day...a day that I will cherish forever.
Flower girl in lesbian wedding - CHECK!
HMOH readers: I encourage you all to find and conquer your own "lesbian wedding flower girl" dreams. If you're going to as many weddings as I am nowadays, it'll at least keep it interesting.
- "Flower girl"
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