Worth Knowing

I need to put this out there:
My niece, Christie, is a woman worth knowing. "Why?", you ask.
Christie is in the midst of planning her biggest day- the day that will celebrate her love for the man she will marry (Casey) and a day that will celebrate the love she has in her heart for those around her. For many, this might make them turn into the selfish sort. "I want it my way, it is my day.". Not Christie. Instead she is doing what is in her power to envelop those she loves and share the day in a way that makes them most comfortable.
For instance:
Ruth:
You all know how Ruth struggles with Sensory Processing Disorder as well as General Anxiety. You know that in a matter of seconds she can go from sweet and pleasant to total meltdown. Ruth is excited to get to be a flower girl. She has been given the choice of whether to throw petals or carry a bouquet. She has been given (Thank you in part to the mother of the bride) a day of shoe shopping. She will get to choose her hair style. Christie has made it known that even if Ruth pulls a huge bald spot, she will be beautiful. Every effort has gone into making this a special time for Ruth. Special dress, shoes (Or not if the day comes and Ruth rebels against them), special hair, and even a planned manicure. (Ruth asked for gloves, and even though they did not fit into the style of the wedding, she was given an alternative that made her smile.) Ah, this is a bride that understands the wonder of a wedding in a little girl's eyes. I wonder if it goes back to when she watched Maria and Luis get married on Sesame Street almost 20 years ago. :) Maybe it has to do with the penny jar her mother kept for the dress. Or maybe it is just how incredible this girl truly is.
Another for instance:
Sam:
Sam is another one of my sweet nieces. Although Sam will be with in weeks of giving birth, Christie has decided that Sam deserves to be included. A dress was chosen to meet Sam's needs. The arrangements are set so that she will be allowed to go shoeless. (Every expectant women's nightmare is heels.) At the bridal shower, Christie couldn't wait to share a moment of spotlight with Sam's ultrasound pictures. This girl is just someone I love to know!
How about:
Jenn
Sam's sister, Jenn is what I would call a spitfire. She is wild and wonderful! Jenn has an outlook on life that not many understand, but I often wish I could. :) Recently, Jenn decided to get an arm length tattoo of a Salvador Dali painting. Guess what. While many other brides (Myself included) might reconsider allowing a choice of dress styles, or even consider asking her to not be as intimately included, Christie has embraced Jenn's sense of style. There will be no hiding from others, that is not how we show love. Amazing woman, I swear.
One last thought:
Mom
My mother and I talked the other day about her desire to have new teeth for the wedding. Her dentures have bothered her for almost 20 years. Although the process of having new ones has been started, Mom will not have her dream of a new smile for the big day. I told her not to fret. She needs to smile and be happy. Christie knows what Mom's teeth are like, they are the ones she grew up looking at. It is my bet that Chris would rather have my mother beam with pride than to have Grama's smile turn into a tight lipped line. Christie loves her, and wants this day to be one of delight and happiness. With new teeth or not.
Each one of my nieces are a special part of my full life. I have enjoyed watching them grow from afar. I will never forget the days spent with them at my home, singing silly songs or trying to get them to eat things they hate. But, I know one thing: The eldest of them has grown into a woman I think is worth knowing.
Many Blessings to you as you draw near to your big day, Christie. I love you. Auntie Cindy