Over the hedge: Big responsibilities for a very small 'groom'

Paul, my 5-year-old brother, was asked to be ring bearer in a friend's wedding. A little tuxedo was rented for him, and in it he looked like a miniature groom. We arrived at the rehearsal and Paul was introduced to the flower girl, a blonde and blue-eyed picture of femininity. He suddenly became very quiet.

As the minister began giving instructions, he told Paul to join the flower girl. He walked woodenly over to her, and down the aisle, looking downright uncomfortable, a pillow perched precariously on his little hands.

In the break after, before he had to walk down the aisle again, I caught Paul's eye and said, "See, that wasn't so bad was it?" His eyes got big and he blurted out, "But I don't want to get married!"

Patty Weimer

Priest River, Idaho

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