Double duty

Am I the father of the bride or the officiating minister? Well, this past Saturday I was both.

It has been my honor and privilege to lead all three of my children and their future spouses through premarital counseling and to officiate at their weddings. But I was emotionally unprepared for this third one. With my two sons I could somewhat concentrate on the role of minister. Sure, I was affected by seeing my tall, handsome sons standing there, but I was pretty much doing and saying what I always do and say at the many weddings I’ve performed.

With my daughter, Erin, I had to do and say something I’ve never done and said before. I had to escort her down that long aisle and answer the question: “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

I answered, “Her mother and I.”

As I put her hand into Abbott’s, instead of taking a seat next to my wife as is the custom, I walked onto the platform and became the minister. Believe me when I say that it wasn’t an easy transtition for me.

It was a beautiful ceremony and everything came off wonderfully. At the end I made the presentation.

“It is my honor to now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Abbott Mitchell!”

After they and the wedding party moved down the aisle I reverted back to my role as father and husband to escort my dear wife. I still had my emotions in check.

It wasn’t until the reception that I felt the self-control on my emotion slip. As I stood with an open umbrella over my Erin, I said to her and to Abbott,

“This umbrella symbolically represents my God-given authority and protection over my daughter. She has been mine. I now relinquish this spot to you, Abbott. She is yours and the role is now yours too. May God bless you both.”

And so I finished my day of double duty.