October 1982

In October of 1982, with a beautifully relaxed perm, Our wedding would take place on the most beautiful Indian Summer day in Chicago.  I was ecstatic to have the wreath fit on my head with little to no obstruction to my hair.  I did my own nails, I did my own hair.  At the ages of 24 and 25, Mark and I thought we had the maturity of a much older couple.    I was woman of the world, street smart, experienced in life and death, mortgages and jobs and bossing around my little brother.
Because we were paying for everything ourselves, we over extended our budget; probably because we had no budget.  And while on a date with a former boyfriend, I came upon our wedding band, As You Like It.  A male and female lead singers.  They were great particularly after I personally made onlookers leave my reception.  The cake was from the old neighborhood, the cookies from my mother's old neighborhood.  Not to mention my dearest friend, also from the old neighborhood.  We did a great job, Mark and I, what a team.
Uncle Charlie could not be more proud of his baby sister's oldest daughter.  I was so touched to have him walk me down the aisle and dance cheek to cheek.  But the love came from Uncle Art, Uncle Frank, and for as long as I can remember.....Uncles, Uncles, Uncles.
I need not mention my own siblings for my little brother drank any drink that was put down by others but only following his wedding duties, which was cool.  And my sister took full advantage of socializing as though this "party" was for her or rather a continuation of the night before in which she played in the hallway until wee hours keeping everyone up.  Perhaps she was excited to see the some friend that escaped an institution barefoot....still barefoot in the hall outside my room.
My baby sister-in-law, however, was the backbone of the day.  She followed up, followed through, notified and answered questions.  Fortunately the help that I so necessarily needed dwindled off just in time for her to be corrupted by her cousins with rum and coke.
We had a great day, we were in love, we were oblivious, we were inebriated and we had to leave on a 7am flight for the Bahamas.  30 years.
This anniversary was celebrated in downtown Dallas, for we feel at home here.  My pearls were the perfect gift.  Our dinner was just OK.  Too bad Wolf Gang Puck, you do not compare to an Italian wedding in Chicago.