Jeannie's Journal: I'm Not Often Speechless

Hello Dear NextTriber:

Over the thousands of miles I’ve racked up for NextTribe over the past 8 years, I’ve never been sick on the road. Big thump-thump on wood. But last week, as I flew off to Colorado for my son’s wedding, I wasn’t feeling great. I was sniffly, with a scratchy throat, and I assumed it was allergies and would clear up once I’d left Asheville.

But upon arriving in the mountains a few days before the wedding, the symptoms got worse instead of better. By the time Saturday came along, I was on cold medicine and trying to summon up every bit of adrenaline to keep myself perky and present during the day’s event.

Fortunately, the adrenaline surged, but at the same time my vocal chords gave out (something that often happens when I have a cold). I squeaked my way through the proceedings, cursing that “of all days” it had to happen now. How could my immune system fail me at such an important moment??

But you know what…it didn’t matter. Because no one really card about hearing from the mother of the groom anyway. Not when this was happening:

And this:

New Family

I’ve written before about how instead of getting smaller post-divorce, my family has gotten bigger. One of the new additions is this wonderful woman Edna Dominguez, the mother of the bride. She’s feisty, funny, lovable and is as thrilled to have a son now to go with two daughters as I am to have a daughter to go with my two sons.

She and Ana made sure I was included in the Bridal Party preparations on the afternoon prior to the ceremony. I felt so fortunate to be there as Ana got dressed and to be part of the toasts and excitement. As a mother of boys, I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Old Family (or Should I Say Original Family)

I am one of six children, and all of us make a point of attending any Ralston wedding that will have us. I was so happy to have them with me for this important milestone. My older sister Janyce was especially helpful since she’s so experienced—presiding over the 4 weddings of her children.

Next stop: My little sister’s daughter’s wedding in October.

Legos and Other Levity

I owe an apology to my son and my new daughter-in-law. I was so worried about how the wedding would unfold. They are two busy engineers with big jobs. I was anxious that details might get missed. But they knew exactly what they were doing; such cleverness all around—starting with their cake topper (Ana is a huge Lego fan). Also adorable was a doodling game, their cheeky wedding program, the not-the-bouquet throw, and their headgear for the snake dance.

That’s My Boy

The element most appreciated by me: the travel theme of the wedding. Each table was given a name based on a city the couple had visited—from Reykjavik to Tokyo. On the table were photos of the couple in that particular city and place cards took the form of boarding passes.

My ex and I had homeschooled and traveled with our sons for three years, and I am thrilled that Gus’s new wife shares his wanderlust!

Losing on the Dance Floor

I had assured Edna, Ana’s mom, that my family was a fun group. I told her we were game for anything and we could dance with the best of them. She said, “Well, you haven’t been around MY family.”

My pre-game trash talk started to sound a bit tinny once the first strains of “Shout!” came from the DJ booth.

Yes, the Ralstons represented well. My two older brothers did their traditional Geezer Dance Off, with results that get more hilarious the older they get. I stayed on the floor almost the whole night—having decided that I would either be comatose the next day or I would dance that cold right out of my system.

But I have to admit that Edna and her family swept us under the rug. Wow! Did they have the moves and the endurance. We Ralstons were humbled—in the most rollicking, happy way.

Pro Tip: Dancing Shoes

Even though I wore heels during the ceremony, I knew I didn’t want to break an ankle dancing in those 3-inch mothers. So I was thrilled to discover that I could order ballet slippers in a color to match my dress off of Amazon.

They come in a slew of colors so next time you have a wedding or gala, don’t totter in your pumps, boogie down in these flats. And they’re so easy to pack, I’m bringing them on my next trip for padding around in the hotel.

The Tears of a Mom

I cried twice during the wedding—and thank God I didn’t have to worry about mascara smearing. The first time was when Gus walked me to my seat at the beginning of the ceremony to the song “Blackbird.” The hug he gave me when we parted felt like it packed a lifetime of love.

Then my younger son Jeb, the best man, gave the most poignant toast to his older brother. To raise children who truly love and respect each other—who wouldn’t cry?

The most prevalent emotion of the day, however, was joyful abandon, and I was over the moon to share that with so many people I love.

Oh, by the way, my voice came back on Monday. Of course. Sigh.

Hope to see you down the road…ON the road.

Jeannie Ralston
Founder and CEO

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