“Now introducing… Mr. and Mrs. David Redgrave!” the DJ announced as we made our way through the double doors into our beautiful reception venue.
The intimate, beautiful glass walled gazebo was filled with our family and some of our closest friends. The sun was setting, twinkle lights hung from the ceiling, candles were lit, and lanterns were glowing.
We made our way while holding hands and smiling from ear to ear to the front of the room to join our wedding party… our 4 children.
The six of us stood together in front of the candle lit mantle of the brick fireplace. Our guests till on their cheering and welcoming us in for the party to begin.
It was time for that special song to be played for the traditional first dance. Yet, this first song wasn’t going to be played for the first dance of my husband and I.
This first dance, this moment was for my boys and I.
David took the mic and with heartfelt tears he shared why he would not be my first dance at our wedding.
“Before I have the first dance with my wife I want to do something a little different that God has been pressing on my heart. At first, I was worried about sharing this idea with April and worried about what people would think. But I knew that none of that mattered. All that mattered was doing something to show Josh and Jason that their Dad will always be honored and respected. He will always be a part of this new blended family. Never diminished or forgotten.
Before I dance with my wife for the first time Josh and Jason will get the opportunity to dance with their mom. This represents a passing of the torch from the boys to me. They have done such a good job of protecting and taking care of their mom and now I get to take over and fill that role. Most importantly, I see it as a way for their father to have one last dance with their mom before I take the role of husband, earthly father and leader of this beautiful blended family. Hoping and praying to succeed in making Mike proud of the husband of father I become.
The song we chose for this dance is “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again”. This song means so much to both myself and April. At the same exact time in our lives we needed the words and truth in this song to pick up the pieces of our shattered hearts and learn to live and love again. Only God knew what we needed and where he’d bring us. With faith, trust and relentless prayer we both stand here tonight in awe of how far He brought us and our family of 6.”
There were tears and laughter shared between each of my sons and I as we danced. It was a moment that I hope they always remember as a way we not only honored their dad and the beautiful marriage he and I had, but to also feel that sense of relief. Relief in knowing that they didn’t have to feel as if they had to be the men of the house anymore. That sense of relief knowing that their mom was going to be okay, loved and taken care of. The burden of feeling as if they needed to protect and care for me as they had always saw their dad do was lifted. Their dad on earth could now take that load off their shoulders.
It was a moment the 3 of us will never forget.
