Why I Cried Last Weekend

Is it OK for men to cry?   Of course it is, but it’s not something we like to do, especially in public.  But this past weekend I did…and I didn’t care.

My daughter Kelsey got married on Saturday to her longtime boyfriend/fiancée Alex.  She’s my only daughter so this was my one chance to walk her down the aisle.  We practiced Friday during the rehearsal dinner and then did it for real on Saturday in front of 150 family and friends. The ceremony was beautiful and there were a few tears shed by the bridal party and those in attendance.  My eyes might have watered just a bit.  (I’m sure it was just my allergies.)   But I didn't full out cry.

The reception was spectacular.  Great food, wine, music and dance.  I gave the Father’s Toast and thanked people for coming.  As I talked about my wonderful daughter and her new husband, my voice cracked just a bit.  (I must have had a frog in my throat or something).  But I got through the speech without crying.

Then it was time for the Daddy-Daughter Dance.  When Kelsey was a little girl, she told me that one day we would dance to the song "Butterfly Kisses" at her wedding...and we did.  There’s a line in that song that says “Walk me down the aisle daddy, it’s just about time.  Does my wedding dress look pretty daddy, daddy don’t cry”.   And yep…I couldn't hold it in any longer.  I just lost it.  Tears came flowing down my face as my emotions got the best of me.  And it felt good.  She cried too, but we were both crying tears of happiness because it was such a special day.

That song ends with “Of all that I’ve done wrong, I must have done something right.  To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night”.  Uh-oh.  Anyone seen a box of Kleenex?  My allergies are kicking in again and that frog is back in my throat.