WEDDING BELLES AND DADDY BLUES

new orleans - there's a ghanaian saying my dad often uses. loosely translated it means "having children hurts". now, this would seem rather straightforward, but the literal sense is obviously not what he was referring to. i myself have learnt to dismiss it with nonchalance because i never fully understood its meaning. but watching my sister partake in what has essentially become a right of passage for women everywhere, it all became clear: "having children hurts" because one day you'll look up and they won't be children anymore. 

these days, weddings are part of a multi-million dollar industry that continues to grow despite the institution's falling success rate. but watching as my sister, his oldest daughter, tried on a myriad of over-tulled white dresses, it appeared he had a lot more to moan about than the price tags. while my mother and i gushed over every article tried on in preparation of my sister's "big day", my father slouched sullenly in the background. excited about the upcoming celebrations, i'm sure, yet obviously saddened at the prospect of losing his little girl. 

although my sister is the furthest thing away from a bridezilla, i'm quickly discovering the hectic side of weddings that until now were completely alien, having never participated in one: the invitation lists, the seating charts, the cake, the cars and especially THE DRESS (rhymes with stress for a reason). much as it is one's big day, weddings are essentially a celebration of love. don't let the stress of meticulous planning take that meaning away. and every once in while, give your dad a hug too.