May 14, 2006
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Last night, my best friend Kelly got married. I’ve been friends with her since 1999. Seven years of friendship. It’s amazing how time flies. I met Kelly’s husband Chad first. I was bartending at my father’s tavern, Frank & Ernies, on a cold Saturday night in February. My husband, Doug and I were dating at the time, and he introduced me to his friends Ted and Chad. Ted’s first words to me were, “Geez Dana, you’re a bit abrasive.” I was like who the heck is this guy? Chad’s reply was, “Nah, she just knows how to handle guys like you, Ted.” I knew I liked “Mouse” that day. “Mouse” is Chad’s nickname because he’s the shy and quiet type, until you get to know him better.
It wasn’t until March of 1999, that I met Kelly. We met at the annual Frank & Ernie’s dart tournament. Kelly was a feisty girl, a real spit fire. She wasn’t (and still isn’t) afraid to speak her mind. I’ve always admired that quality of hers. We talked about anything and everything that day, and over the next few months our friendship blossomed. In October of 1999, I went with Doug to Kelly and Chad’s baby shower when they were expecting their son Brennan. She and Chad made me feel at home as did their parents, Leroy & Renee and Gil & Beth. They made us feel welcome, like a part of their family. And from the day little Brennan was born, he’s been like a nephew to me. I’ll always be his “Auntie Day-nee.”
In May of 2000, Doug proposed to me. I knew I wanted Kelly and Chad to be a part of our wedding. Even though Kelly and I were only friends for a little over a year, I knew we’d be friends for years to come. I still remember the look on her face and her response when I asked her to be a bridesmaid. “Are you suuuuuure?” she asked. Abso-freakin-lutely. As the wedding neared, Kelly was my funny girl. She can make anyone laugh. She definitely brings out the wild side in all of us, too. She wisecracked often. “This will be the only time Chad and I will walk down and aisle together, Dana. At your wedding.” I knew better. I remember dancing with Chad on my wedding day and I’ll never forget his words to me. “Someday, I hope Kelly and I can find the happiness that you and Doug share.” Chad’s wish came true last night.
As the years went by, Kelly and I became as close as sisters. Always there for each other and spending time hanging out and with other friends. She also was a bartender at my dad’s bar, along with our friends Carmen, Angie & Jill. Out of our group, Kelly was the wildest. She always managed to tempt us with trouble, like dancing on the bar after bar close at 2:30 a.m. We would have gotten away with it if we’d remembered to wipe our shoe prints off the bar. I tried to tell my dad it was Kelly’s fault, but he knew better. I’m just as wild and crazy when with Kel.
But through all the fun and silliness, the best thing I can say about Kelly is that she’s a wonderful mother. Not only to Brennan & Lexie, her children, but to anyone she meets. She presents her mothering nature to all of us. My best example is when I was in labor with my son Dawson. Kelly was in the room with me and never left my side. Always encouraging me and coaching me. Even when Doug was getting green around the gills, she coached him, too. She had her daughter Lexie, 7 months prior, and told me if she could do it, so could I. I will always be grateful to her for that. Happy Mother’s Day, Kelly. And Congratulations on your wonderful wedding and happy future together with Chad. I love you both dearly.
Posted by Dana @ 3:42 pm • Uncategorized
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May 15th, 2006 at 12:01 am, kate5kiwis Says:
sorry can’t remember how i found your blog, but reading this post got me arms all goosebumpy. it’s funny when you meet a new friend and you just KNOW they’ll be there forever. love it.
:o) kate xx