It hangs in the the closet, tucked in the back with all the other clothes I don’t wear anymore, flowing concert black and high school prom red…
Like another of my blog friends, I, too, like to pull it out and put it on once in a while, as my mother did when we were little. And Alex, who after attending a wedding recently is newly intrigued by this weird grownup ritual of wearing impossible-to-keep-clean, really big dresses, insisted upon being photographer instead of one of the subjects.
So, for a few brief, glorious minutes, I got to be my bride-self again…the juxtaposition of who I once was with who I have become: flowing satin amid piles of laundry, and jammie-clad little ones on my lap.
And when it was done, we resumed our routine as if nothing had happened. Resumed the world of books, prayers, tucking in, and procrastinating by protesting that the radio is hissing, by screeching for water…
…to the ordinary tasks of cutting hair…hair that once was all black, but now begins to turn white at the temples.
Beadwork and tuxedos. That is where motherhood begins: in a union of two who become one, whose union becomes enfleshed again and again. Praise God.
(Note: this is a repost from July of 2010. But with the possibility of a baby sooner than I expected, and me not feeling very good, I have a lot to do, and this post is one of my favorites–and it fit the writing prompt this week perfectly. So I hope those of you who’ve been with me a while will forgive the repeat!)
Kathleen M. Basi 
What a great idea! I never thought to get out my wedding dress to take pictures of who I have become with my children. I like that idea! And this is a beautiful reflection, too. Thanks for reposting because I think I missed it the first time around.
I love finding your comments on here so early in the morning. It gives me hope that you, working and with even more kids than me, are still able to participate so beautifully in the blososphere!
ah yes! the joys of keeping the iPad/iPhone in my room and checking e-mail while my hair straightener heats up. and drinking my morning smoothie. 🙂
This was a lovely post, the marrying of past and present, the pool of dress amid laundry with the kids in you lap. Luckily it fit the prompt perfectly. Feel better.
The photos are so darling! Nice job.
I adore the juxtaposition. The different parts of us that make us who we are….how we all are satin and burp rags, pajamas and sparkle.
And how the holy can so be in the ordinary acts of love.
Lovely piece.
It was a lovely reminder of the beautiful mother you have become. Marriage with its perfect beauty does not stop on the wedding night but continues as the family grows!
Thanks for reminding and encouraging me. Mom and I were having a talk last night and we mentioned you! After baby is born we will have to get together!
I love the idea of having your photo taken in your gown while holding your children.
You’ve left me wondering if mine still fits…
Sending you wishes for a lovely delivery.
Repost? I didn’t get to read it the first time, so it’s all new to me!
I love how kids are so fascinated with our lives before their arrival. To them, the world began when they did; it’s like what came before is a story in a book that just happens to have Mommy and Daddy in it.
Tjis is so poetically told. I love the way you wrapped us up in your then and now.
And the photo? Is stunning.
{Also? Eek! Hooray for your soon-to-be-here babe!}
What a lovely post, new or not! It fits perfects (and I don’t just mean the dress.)
Mine hangs with some other clothes in the basement, and I will put it on while playing dress up with Abbey sometimes. I love it.
And sooner-than-expected babe? Good luck 🙂 Sending lots of good thoughts your way.
This is my first time to your blog, having recently started reading the RemembeRed prompts and posts. I love the photos, and especially the ones of the babies in your wedding dressed lap. Those photos tell such a story, one that you will someday be telling your grandchildren about. Thanks for reposting. I am glad I stopped by to read. 😀
Welcome to RemembeRED! I’m pretty new to it myself & I really like it.
Aww! How adorable!!! I love to put my wedding dress on once in awhile (and revel in the fact that it fits! yay!)
When I originally published this I had the reveling in the fact that it fit line, too…but there’s no way I could get the thing on at the moment, so I took it out. 🙂
I love it! Mine is in the heirloom box and I’d never be able to button it (if I could get the long sleeves on my arms)
Does it count that after my 3rd child, I could wear my wedding dress still? I hope so because I doubt I could get that size 5 on again. LOL! Someday maybe.
Great story…I loved reading it! a perfect intertwining of moments.
Awww…what a wonderful post! I love the pictures with you in your dress and your kids on your lap!
BTW, I’m insanely jealous you can still fit in your wedding dress!
Good to see you are resting, Kate. I remember this post, a good one to share again. Thank you. Praying for you and your soon on the scene one…xx