Patchwork - June 16, 2010

by Donna Smith Ammons

My #3 son--Alan LaFleur--was married in May and we were fortunate enough to be present at the wedding in Sarasota. I wouldn’t have missed his nuptials for anything.

Alan and Christy met at Davy and KT’s wedding in August 2007. Alan was a groomsman and Christy, a childhood friend of KT’s, was a bridesmaid. Ironically, they were paired to walk together......and the festivities surrounding the Ammons wedding gave them a chance to become acquainted.

It did take a little push from Paul and Unkie at the end of the reception, to get the “Chick Magnet” to get a phone number. Sometimes, #3 is a little shy!

Soon they were “talking”. She was in Sarasota and he was in Lafayette. That distance was soon corrected when Alan went to live with his Grandma and attend St. Leo University. Distance was no longer a factor and the relationship blossomed. From afar, we all watched and hoped. Our prayers were answered, when he proposed during the fireworks at DisneyWorld.

It was a fast and furious weekend in May, when we all met in Florida: rehearsal dinner, taking care of Riley Kate, because both Mom and Dad were attendants; beach combing (a Florida must!); late night family gatherings, the wedding and reception, dancing, etc.

However, one of the most important events to me, besides seeing #3 take his vows with a beautiful redhead, was the Mother’s Dance. Melanie was a knock-out....radiant actually--when her son led her onto the dance floor for their dance. I was snapping photos like crazy, when they stopped and Mel took my camera and said “Your turn.”

Tears came to my eyes, as I enjoyed part of the Mother’s Dance with my #3 son. It was a very special moment for me. I had watched Alan grow up, celebrated birthdays, Thanksgivings, Dixie Youth victories and losses, special days, proms, graduation, and more with him. I even helped move him in to his new pad in Lafayette when he was at ULL. He was not my son by birth, but by heart. He showed me that I was special to him by giving me the honor of participating in the Mother’s Dance....a special time that I will always hold dear to my heart, with a special young man.