"The Ring Bear"

Cherie's (Scott's sis) son Josh was married last week and he and his bride asked Luke to be their ring bearer. At first Luke said "no way!" to this task which we explained would involve simply walking down the aisle carrying the wedding rings. He had every excuse from "I'm afraid I'll fall..." and "I won't know where to go..." to "I don't want people LOOKING at me!" We explained to him the importance of the ring bearer--there must be a handsome boy to carry the rings to the bride and groom in order for them to actually, officially be married (sidenote here...lots of discussion about the differences between a temple sealing and a civil ceremony--steadfast goals are in place in our home for temple marraige someday, but we are so happy for Josh and want his day to be splendid)... Luke mulled over this ever important decision for two and a half days and finally came to the conclusion that he really wanted Josh and Michelle to be able to wed, so he would indeed deliver their precious rings on the day of their wedding. From that time on he became "the ring bear..." "kind of like the Jazz bear," he said..."but with rings..."
Luke anticipated his big day with mixed emotions. Usually those emotions were directly related to the amount of sleep he had the night before. Tired days turned out "I am NOT going to be the ring bear," but when well-rested he was quite positive and looked forward to the wedding day with questions like "will I get paid for being the ring bear?" We did have enough tired days that I had to throw in a little incentive to ensure follow-through and cooperation...a Kung Fu Panda sword awaited his greatly anticipated walk down the aisle.
Wedding day arrived and we made it special with a new haircut and tie for the big event.
The wedding was held at Market Street and the setting was beautiful! I pointed out the fast-moving creek below us at least twelve times to keep my little guy's mind occupied and away from thoughts of deserting...
Luke was a jumble of nerves twinged with just enough excitement to warrant two trips to the bathroom in seven minutes...
As we waited for the ceremony to begin, I found myself anxiously holding my breath, smiling at Luke without making direct eye contact for fear he would discern my sense of apprehension and change his mind...
To my surprise and great relief, he posed perfectly for pictures and listened intently to the wedding coordinator's instructions.
(This just might go ok...)
The ring pillow was delivered and though Luke thought it would somehow resemble a bear...he was pretty impressed that something so elegant would be in his charge.
The wedding was due to begin in three minutes when the wedding coordinator took Luke by the hand and led him to his place in line without any hesitation or apprehension--at all.
(This (really) just might go ok...!!!)

The music began and the wedding party passed without much notice as I waited for the pair who would precede the bride--the flower girl and her escort--the "ring bear..."
At last it was the moment we had waited for...Luke sauntered down the aisle looking so serious and handsome in his shirt and tie with an orange rose boutonniere pinned to his pocket and a look of confidence on his face. He made his way to the best man--hoisted the pillow perfectly then returned to his seat next to me. He never cracked a smile, but he didn't miss a step...

(It (actually) went ok...!!!)

Accolades and praise followed him wherever he made his way the entire night and he reveled in the glory of attention by strangers, friends and family members.

What a terrific experience...both for a five year old little boy and his needlessly doubtful mother!