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Getting #metoo’d at my mother’s wedding
I rationalised going, as celebrating my mother not dying from cancer. That’s something I could honestly do. I'm pretty stoked about that. But as I hear the first speech, it becomes clear that this was in fact the case, I find myself getting offended on behalf of the marriage I didn't want to recognize as legitimate.
The groom holds a speech about how grateful he is to have her in his life. He’s uncomfortable speaking in front of an audience about something so private. He doesn't like to be the centre of attention.
The bride holds a speech about not dying from cancer. A celebration of life and love, but more in general terms. She doesn't like to make it all about them, either. She reminds us all to savour the moment, and enjoy the small things in life; to not take them for granted. Like good food and good friends, and sharing each others lives. To live in the present, and not worry so much about the bills and all the other small stuff, that we all usually spend our time worrying about.
I remember the name of my male cousin, avoiding social catastrophe. I barely recognize my female cousin, and I have to take a gamble when asked who she was in the crowd. I was right, just like I always am about everything, but it was a close call.
One of my mom's oldest friends, who has given me a sense of being a little too friendly ever since I was 16, held her hands on me for a little too long and…
