Forget religion and politics.
It seems nothing can bring people together or tear them apart like a wedding.
Especially a Royal Wedding.
I thought everyone would be delighted with such a beautiful display of affection as seen in the recent nuptials of Harry and Meghan.
Alas, I was wrong!
People had their knickers in a twist over every single detail.
Emotions ran the gamut from "that was the most fabulous thing I've ever seen" to " who cares?" to " what a waste of money'."
Listen, I try not to rain on your parade when you are all chanting "go jays go" or watching the Masters that seems to go on for a month so if I want to enjoy a little escape from reality--let me.
Here's where I came down on it!
I will always choose happy over sad,love over hate. and beauty over ugliness.
Anything that keeps me, even for one day away from thinking about a fatal school shooting, an erupting volcano or a lying politician, I am taking it.
Any few hours when I don't have to worry about my finances, my job, my diet or my life is a welcome reprieve.
If a bunch of ladies and some highly evolved gentlemen want to get up early on a Saturday, dress in their finery, drink tea and eat scones and pretend to be part of a fairytale - what's the harm?
As is human nature, I suppose, all of us had an opinion on everything!
The bride's dress and veil. (as we sat in our living rooms in our stretchy track pants and no makeup, we managed to do a complete critique of Meghan's.)
"too plain, too simple, too white"
"not enough bling"
"it was perfection"
The veil:
"too long"
"too plain"
"wanted to straighten it as it was always crooked".
And the messy bun hairstyle?
"too unkempt"
"looked like she was going to the supermarket not a wedding"
"hated the hair falling down"
"wanted to clip it back for her"
The makeup:
"what makeup? Needed tons more!"
"she flew someone in from Hollywood to do that?"
"too subdued"
"just right"
Yes, we all had our opinions and the need to spout them all over social media. I guess that's part of the enjoyment?
There were a few things I noticed myself:
No matter your royal genes, you can't avoid male pattern baldness (even Wills and Harry)
Men always look great in uniform.
No matter how many princes or dukes are in attendance, they will always be overshadowed by the likes of George Clooney or David Beckham.
Women always look classy in hats (even if they look like pink insulation or bird's nest)
There are way too many stairs in England if one is wearing heels
No one should have to get into a carriage whilst wearing a long gown, heels and holding flowers
Someone is always going to get caught yawning just as the tv camera swings in your direction. Similarly, if you roll your eyes you will become the next day's snarky meme
It is a rare occurrence, like a comet, if you should catch a glimmer of a smile on either the Queen or Victoria Beckham's face. Grab it. Treasure it. It won't last long
Still, despite all our silly judgements, there was beauty in it all.
Here's what I will remember from the day:
The empty seat left for Princess Diana who was surely there in spirit.
The rare and inspiring sound of a gospel choir belting out Stand by Me in a glorious old church.
The fabulous spirited pastor quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and making me want to be better.
The thought that every woman should be looked at the way Harry looked at Meghan.
The thought that every man should be looked at the way Meghan looked at Harry.
The idea that with all the world watching these two only had eyes for each other.
The appreciation that a good love story can still leave me breathless with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat even though I don't know these people at all.
The realization that with all the darkness in the world and the million questions that love is still the light and the answer.
The prayer that there can still be a happily ever after in the here and now.
