When my sister got engaged, she called me to cautiously ask if I would be her maid of honor. She is my only sister and we grew up very close, but have shared a lot of tense times because she belongs to the same church as my parents. Her religious beliefs prevented her from attending our ceremony in the courthouse. We have had some very tough disagreements that have ended in hang-ups, yelling and tears. I told her I had to reflect on her proposition before commiting to anything. I explained that she would have to understand that it would be very hard for me to participate when I know I will never be given the same respect.
But after thinking it through, I decided that I don’t want anyone to feel what I felt when my sister and parents declined my invitation to our ceremony. Although part of me wanted to say “no” out of vengeance, I knew it was not the right thing to do for myself. I would give my sister what I wish I could have received from her, because she deserves it… just like I do.
I had to mentally prepare myself for the whole weekend of my sister’s wedding. It turned out pretty much how I expected. My mother was the glowing (but stressed) mother of the bride. She doted on my sister and bought her lots of little bridal trinkets to make the day just that much more special. I had to gulp down little surges of jealousy every once in a while, but overall I was happy for her and enjoyed the short time with my family.
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