Just The Two Of Us

                                                                Just The Two Of Us

On a very cold day in January 1979, my sweet Mom awakened me early with a happy smile on her face. “Let’s take a little trip over to Ocean City today”, she said in an intriguing voice. “I have a surprise for you!” I am part of a large family- a tribe it seems at times. I have seven brothers and sisters bringing the total family number to ten. So, the thought of being able to spend the day alone with my Mom on some sort of adventure made me spring right out of bed. There was always so much to do every day to keep the ship afloat that small excursions like this were rare.

I grew up on a barrier island in South Jersey- Absecon Island. Our small town of Margate is a quick fifteen minute car ride to Ocean City which is another barrier island just to the south of Absecon Island. My Mother kept a mysterious air about her as we travelled across the bridge from one island to the next. I instinctively knew that something good was about to take place but I had no idea what that was to be. “No questions, please!”, was her response when I started my inquiry about our destination. 

Before too long, we were parking the car on Asbury Avenue in front of a small shop with the title, “Something Old Something New” painted above the front door. My heart skipped a beat as it dawned on me what the surprise was- a visit to a bridal salon. My very first. At the time, I was engaged to be married with a wedding date of May 12th. Four months away. I could barely speak as we entered this quaint, little boutique. Brides-to-be have been purchasing gowns with their Mothers since the beginning of time. But, not this bride-to be or this Mother. It was a first for us and we were in awe. I hugged her tight and thanked her profusely. 

I can still visualize the sea of white in front of us. Gorgeous dresses everywhere. We did not know where to begin the search. I remember my Mom saying, “Let’s take our time.” A wise idea indeed. We smiled at each other and nervously took our first steps down the left side of the store. Believe it or not, I had no preconceived notion of what my wedding dress should look like except for the standard color and length- white and long. Pretty vague.  Fortunately, the sales women were busy assisting other customers. So, we felt free to take it all in without any pressure. 

For some reason, a gown in the first row was hanging on a rod perpendicular to all of the other dresses. So, naturally, it caught our attention. I was attracted to it immediately and with my Mother’s encouragement, I tried it on. I loved, loved, loved it from the moment she zipped me up. We both gasped and giggled at my reflection in the mirror. I was in Heaven and little did I know, my Mom was, too. At that moment, the shop owner came in the dressing room and showered us with compliments. She was smiling and laughing with us as she explained that seeing the joy on the faces of Mothers and daughters in her store never got old. 

I never wanted that moment to end. I knew that it was an experience that I would treasure forever. The sensible thing to do in a situation like that would have been to put the dress aside and continue the search. I can’t imagine a bride-to-be today settling on the first gown she tries on. Unheard of. In this day and age, looking for the perfect bridal gown is a mission that encompasses many stores in different cities with several family members and friends assembled for advice and approval. But, that was definitely not the way my Mother and I had dreamed of this day. It was always going to be just the two of us. 

Being the kind woman my Mom was, she kept her thoughts on the dress to herself until she was absolutely sure I had given it enough consideration. I could not pry an opinion out of her for what seemed like an eternity. She insisted that this decision fell completely on my shoulders. I knew I had made up my mind once and for all when the thought of taking the gown off to try on others saddened me. I turned to her and announced that this dress was the one. Upon hearing those words, my Mother was overcome with excitement because she was in love with the dress, as well. Our thoughts were in complete and total harmony. 

Needless to say, the purchase was made that day and alterations began immediately. Never once did I have second thoughts about only trying on one gown. When it’s the one, you know it. I thank God for that special day alone with my Mom whenever I drive past that little shop. It’s no longer a bridal salon but that’s okay because the memory of that day can never be erased from my mind. 

Sweet, lovely Jane Bradley died three years after my wedding. Almost thirty four years ago, as I write this post. I still miss her with all my heart!