Wedding decline

I just received a forwarded email from my parents today; originally from a family member announcing her upcoming nuptials. In a futile attempt to put feelings of animosity aside, I replied to my parents “Would rather die than go the wedding. I have another wedding that same month to attend, can only deal with one crazy family gathering at a time.” Too harsh? Maybe, but I don’t think so.

When using the term “crazy,” I use it in the most benevolent context. Not inferring the terrorist or serial killer mentality. But rather a prevailing image I have of her after 3 decades without so much as a phone call or birthday card, just a curt reply to my heart felt letters sent as a little girl saying “leave me alone!” I suppose things like this are bound to instill some feelings of resentment. Oh, and did I mention that I did not receive even a card, or anything for that matter for my wedding or the birth of my child?

I digress. My immediate thoughts before closing my internet browser already drew the grim wedding scenario- A ridiculously posh, upscale, and over-the-top event; ceremony and reception dripping with overpriced accoutrements; all to show off the bride and grooms untouchable status. Oh, and of course, their contrived herd of friends would closely follow suit. The icing on the cake- the father of the bride. The most unrefined, pompous man I’ve ever met. Sure to stop by my table savoring the loaded question “So, I hear you’re a stay-at-home mom now.” Toss in a chuckle. “Well, my daughter wanted to make tons of money before starting her family (muh-ha-ha!). Yeah, her wedding expenses were over 10 ga-zillion dollars.” Chuckling resumes as he turns to his next victim.

Let me break this down. Three hours chocking in a room full of stuffy, well-to-do snobs, not nearly enough alcohol to get me through the night, and a guaranteed familial insult…Hmm, I think I’ll stand firm to my original verdict, “I would rather die”.