Royalty ...

A royal wedding is something to behold... There is nothing quite like the joy of the British people when celebrating the union of a future King or Queen.  It is truly an event like no other...literally brings an entire nation together in anticipation, and keeps the rest of the world enchanted as well.  What is it that draws all of us in?  Why do we get up before dawn so that we can see the ceremony as it happens?  Why do we have parties, buy souvenirs, and search the internet for the details?

The obvious reason?  We all enjoy a good fairytale... Love at first sight... Prince Charming and his Princess fall in love and then live happily ever after.  That "something" we all search for, whether we will admit it or not, is that discovery of once in a lifetime, unconditional love that is celebrated with a beautiful day to mark the beginning of a wonderful life...and a love that never ends. 

For those of us old enough to remember when Charles and Diana were married so many years ago, the wedding of their son seems to hold a certain wistful magic... it brings back the memories of that first wedding, the controversy that defined their relationship, and the tragedy that completely ended it.  It seems to come back full circle with the celebration of another royal wedding.

As William and Kate celebrate their day, and honor his mother, there is a certain sadness that comes with knowing she should have been there, in the middle of it all.  Despite her absence, her presence is still clearly felt on this day...in the media clips of her own wedding day, and the acknowledgments to her memory throughout the day.  In the hearts of the people who loved her, perhaps this day inspires the hope that her son has the chance at happiness that she never seemed able to grasp and hold on to.  And that is truly something to celebrate...