Like everyone I was delighted for the happy young couple but found myself more of an observer of events than ever before. There is, especially amongst regualr church goers, an expectancy that the "format" of the ceromany should be followed to the letter. Part tradition and part a religeus ceremony, she is walked down and passed the gathered family & friends by her father if he is able and present, who "gives" her away. The conregation is asked if they might know of any reason etc.., the vows are spoken and they are pronounced man and wife. 

Another event on the calendar often comes around really quickly to remind us of the "family times" that once were. For me and I know many others who are "separated" from their loved ones (children) on such occasions it can be a time when it seems like the whole world but us is "celebrating" and enjoying life to the full. Early on you realise all too well what people mean when they say that weekends and holidays are the hardest. Its as if your world is flipped upside down. Everything is the wrong way round; the times before when there was lots of travel, visiting in laws, big family meals,