Speechless

Walking out in my ivory wedding suit I see my father sitting with my husband's brother, sister-in-law and baby daughter. There is a fuss over my ensemble and I am pleased that the compliments are articulated with such great enthusiasm in front my father and shopping ally. I know the sacrifice he has made to be here and I know what he will face when he arrives home to my mother. My father stands to survey me and with a look of sadness tears come up in his eyes as he quickly makes a dash for the back door. I follow him outside to the sound of a heart breaking sob and I reach out for him. I have never seen my father cry, not even when his mother died. I cannot speak. My throat is gripped with sorrow, choking back tears I throw my arms around my father's neck.