The Highlight of '99

I remember it very well because the event happened only two years
ago. During my summer vacation, soon after I graduated from 6th grade,
I flew off to New York. The reason I was in "The Big Apple" for over
two months was because the highlight of 1999 was taking place
that August. It was my older, funny, caring, and practically perfect
sister's wedding, so you can imagine what a commotion that turned out
to be.

In the first month, when we arrived, we (my sister, her future
husband, and I) took some trips around the bordering New England
states. Basically for old time's sake, but I really did have tons of
fun especially because I met so many new people (mainly the sons and
daughters of my sister's friends) . With these new acquaintances, I was
able to go camping, cruising on a boat in the ocean, and of course,
shopping. As we were camping, we swam through lakes, had campfire
stories shared, and other typical routines. But almost as soon as we
arrived, we had to leave.

Relief was the only thing I felt when back at my sister's apartment in
NYC I finally had TV again, nice clean showers, and thank God, an
air-conditioner. Yet, I wouldn't have those essentials for long. We
were off again. But this time, it was to Newport, Rhode Island. There
we stayed with the same people I went camping with. Only staying for a
weekend, my sister took me to the beach, and shopping to small shops
around the area. In one particular shop, I bought a stuffed, pink, pig
named Newport (after the city in which I found him) and just like
before, we had to head home before I could get settled!

The rest of my stay was dedicated to do whatever I could to help my
sister prepare for her wedding. We went from store to store ,
purchasing bridesmaid's gowns, shoes, bags, party favors. Even as far
as going to the bridal bouquet emporium, plus tid bits of anything you
can imagine.

Then, just when I thought things weren't hectic enough... here come
family and friends from all sides of the globe. Luckily for me, I just
needed to sit back and watch the commotion! We were only thankful there
were enough apartments and hotels in which to house everyone
because my aunt and uncle from NY own quite a few of them.

At long last the big day arrived! I had to wake up early to go to the
salon downstairs from my sister's apartment to get my hair fixed. Half
asleep on the styling chair, I realized I still had to get dressed
before our long drive to the Lindhurst castle where the wedding is to
be held.

"Finally", I thought when I arrived. But "finally" was not what I
thought as I watched my only sibling march down the aisle. Trying to
hold back my tears, I sat down and admired the beautiful aura of my
surroundings. Deep thoughts broken, I looked up in time to hear the
priest announce, "I now pronounce you husband and wife".

"That's it", I thought. "It's all over". Not quite. The reception was
so much fun! There was so much dancing for everyone, cake, champagne
and toasts after toasts made to the newly weds. To myself I thought,
"This is how I want my big day to be". "Filled with everyone I hold
dear, lots of singing, dancing , and of course, my own "castle," even
if only for a day".

And as we said our sad good-byes, leaving every beautiful memory of
the wedding behind, I realized this family would forever be changed but
in a good way. "The Highlight of 99", just brought everyone closer.
Yet, this is only one beginning -just wait till my wedding
day comes!