Presents for being lucky enough to meet my match?

Last weekend was bridal shower number 1! This was a very sureal experience for me, not only was a surrounded by family and close family friends, but it was a party for ME! It was the first time since I was little that a party was thrown in my honor just for me. I was also faced with a strange realisation. I am being honored and "showered" in gifts because I am lucky enough to be marrying my soul mate, my lover and my best friend. It seems a strange tradition (for lack of a better word) to throw a party for someone who is getting married. Should we not be throwing parties for those who are single and celebrate their independence? Should we not throw a party for someone who has finally left an abusive relationship, celebrate their liberation? I feel so blessed that I met a man who makes me luagh (and yes occasionaly makes me cry), who holds me when I am sad, who holds me just to be close to me. I feel lucky to have found a man who I think is so incredibly handsome and has such a giving and friendly nature. I feel lucky to have found a man who cherishes me, who loves me, who thinks I am beautiful even when I am feeling gross and God Bless his soul wants to spend the rest of his life with me by his side. And now Because I have found him and the happiness that he has brought me, I get a party in my honor! It seems so odd, yet it is something that I have never given a thought to while attending other peoples wedding showers or celebrating someones marriage. I never gave it a second thought until the day I came face to face with my first bridal shower.

Please don't get me wrong, I am VERY appreciative to everyone who loves me and is sincerley happy for Duane and I, and for everyone who worked so hard to throw such a lovely shower. AND Anyone who knows me KNOWS I love presents (even when I feel a little like they are undeserved).

On a funny side note: My second cousin Julia asked her mom how they were going to be able to recognize each other at the "shower" without their clothes on. Kids say they darndest things!